Sketch: R. Thomas Roe’s Searching for America
filed in Book Cover Illustrations and Artwork, Book Illustrator and Book Illustrations on Mar.25, 2011
One of this week’s projects: a sketch (not quite polished) for R. Thomas Roe’s novel Searching for America. Set in the near future, this action-adventure story promises to be a good read.
See more of my book cover illustrations at: Duncan’s Book Cover Illustrations Portfolio
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March 26th, 2011 on 1:43 am
I love this Duncan!
I got real close to his eyes and they are still a mystery..
You are such an amazing artist. Thanks for sharing your artwork
March 26th, 2011 on 9:35 pm
Nice work. I suggest you close the vest so the pouches can be opened with one hand. We always kept our stuff fastened down even in the jungle heat so we could get at the mags and stuff quick. I like shading the top of his face, you can’t really read his intentions.
W. B. Haobson, SMSgt. USAF (Ret)
March 26th, 2011 on 9:53 pm
I really do like the intensity of the illustration. Please take my comments as constructive, you are looking at a pro, bring the right index finger down about an inch (in scale) so it is placed directly in line with the trigger on the CAR-15. That is the widest point in the opening between the trigger and the magazine. The finger should never be kept on the mag relese. You are correct that the finger out side of the trigger guard is a sign of a pro.
March 26th, 2011 on 10:31 pm
@Bill: Appreciate the input. I’m going to measure on my AR-15 to see just where his finger should be. Thought it was right but maybe not on “second look” (this is why it is good to come back after a day away from an illustration).
You pouch idea is right on the mark. However he is likely non-military, a civilian armed after society suffers a major collapse in the US, so while you are correct in real life, we likely will take some artistic license with the picture to project a “non-pro” image fitting with the book. (Yes, often the fiction doesn’t quite match real life… The goal is to give the illusion while making the story work :o)
ALSO: Thanks, Bill, for serving our nation. Always appreciate the sacrifices guys like you have made for our nation.
March 27th, 2011 on 8:30 am
I always love seeing your work! i wish I could afford you! I can imagine what you would have done with my front cover! I got to admit though my photographer coworker friend, (who works cheap for FOOD! LOL) did PERFECT with my back cover!
March 27th, 2011 on 9:55 am
Carol: Thanks for the kind words. I think photos are often a viable alternative to illustrations, and having someone who works for food is always a pretty good deal. Just don’t feed them until they explode. Or, if you do, be sure to film the event.
March 30th, 2011 on 8:00 pm
I see this guy as a post-apocalyptic mercenary, who has grunt, gumption and guts but little training. Wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley, but then again, he might stop to rescue a kitten from a dog.