An evening with a mesmer - Art Contest

Darkchyld

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2008

Here's my entry. I've finally finished and I really hope you guys like it.




Here's a little bio on my three characters in order from left to right...

Veil of Obscurity

Veil was born to a prestigious Vabbian family near the Garden of Seborhin. Because of her vast fortune she was often the subject of envy and despise. Her goddess-like beauty also was the cause of hostility and negative attention. She is believed to be blessed by Lyssa herself for her ravishing beauty. After attending her good friend Prince Bokka’s play at the amphitheatre, she was stalked and attacked by 2 assassins, a warrior, and a ranger. She fled as fast as she could, but the relentless attackers managed to slow her down by snaring her through a teleportation spell by one of the assassins. They robbed her of her precious jewels and garments savagely beat her. Distraught, and immensely angered, Veil managed to crawl to a shrine of Lyssa. She knelt her head and prayed to the Goddess to bring her good fortune and protection from those who would bring harm to her. As she spoke these words a ghastly face appeared right before her eyes. The apparition spoke kindly to her. “Don’t fret child” the apparition said. “You shall be blessed with good fortune and protection from those who would do harm to you. I will grant you a fraction of my power, more than enough that you would need to handle such as those who wronged you tonight.” The apparition began to glow and bestowed upon Veil the chaotic gift of mesmerism. Veil studied the art of mesmerism profusely until she knew it so well, she could cast spells in her sleep. The sheer speed of casting spells was astounding. As Veil’s powers of mesmerism increased, so did the talk around town. Some believed her to be Lyssa in the flesh. Others believed her to be an imitation of Lyssa, which they thought was disrespectful to the Goddess of chaos. Veil’s ego began to skyrocket, and she became more vain each passing day. Some thought she was just trying to be something she could never be. Successful and independent. No matter what they thought, Veil took it upon herself to do Lyssa’s bidding, and began traveling the world to assist those in need.

Likes: theaters, literature, dancing, art, diamonds and jewels, Djinn, elaborate clothing, fine dining, spike heels, chokers, earrings, element of surprise, besting melee in combat, pissing people off by interrupting them.

Dislikes: Relentless assassins, warriors, and rangers! The kind that chase you around an entire map until they finally kill you! Rangers who think they can interrupt better than Mesmers.

Roxy Vaantrell

Due to unfortunate circumstances, information regarding Roxy Vaantrell is scarce and nearly non-existent. She was orphaned at the age of 11 months old when Master Togo discovered her in dark alleyway in the Undercity in Cantha. Her parents had just been slain by the Am Fah, and was about to be killed next until the miraculous arrival of Master Togo. He saved her life that day, and raised her in the Shing Jea Monastery, along with the rest of his students. While growing up Roxy had an insatiable desire for violence and rage and therefore had very little luck in making friends. Togo however did not give up on this troubled child and instead taught her to redirect her anger in martial arts training. Roxy proved to be a great challenge to the local sensei and martial arts masters in the monastery for none of them could discipline her. Once Roxy had learned of the people responsible for her parents deaths, she swore vengeance on the Am Fah, and promised herself to kill every last one of them. She took up the fatal art of assassination. She became a ruthless, unremorseful femme fatale slaying every Am Fah she encountered, either by posing as a prostitute, stalking and ambushing them, or infiltrating their ranks as a double agent. Once word hit the streets that a female assassin was picking off the Am Fah’s ranks, war broke out in the streets Kaineng City. Because of her juvenile behavior Roxy was expelled from the Monastery and left homeless. In order to gain back the respect of Master Togo, Roxy had to fix all the wrong that she’s done. She began accompanying the other students of the Monastery as a guide and a mole who leaked important information. She had close ties to the streets of Cantha, so acquiring information, or helping Togo’s pupils was child’s play for her. Once she had learned of Togo’s death by the hands of Shiro, Roxy, along with other heroes of Cantha, slayed the tyrant and saved Cantha. In memory of Master Togo, Roxy has vowed to assist those who are in need, and to rid the world of any evil who dares steers it’s head her way.

Likes: Collecting knives, Haiju Lagoon, fried pork with rice, and cooking gourmet dishes.

Dislikes: The Am Fah, criminals, The Undercity

Whisper of a Siren

Whisper is a young 19 year old who was born in Seitung Harbor. Her mother was a Vabbian palace caterer, and her father was a Krytan fisherman. Whisper began seeing spirits early on in child hood and claimed to be able to talk, and take control of them by the time she was 12. Her parents came to realize that she was a ritualist, and enlisted her in Master Togo’s monastery. With her genius intellect and friendly personality she quickly became one of Togo’s prized pupils. He instructed her himself in the ways of the Ritualist, and she even surpassed him by the time she was 17. Whisper accompanied Master Togo in every mission during the outbreak of the plague in Cantha. Once they confronted Shiro at the Raisu Palace, she witnessed the brutal murder of her dear friends and mentor Togo. Unwilling to give up at that point she rallied up the remainder of the heroes to finally take down Shiro. She and the other heroes proved to be successful, and carried on the legacy of Master Togo by traveling the world and protecting mankind from disaster.

Likes: Wildlife, her pet tiger Rocky, tribal jewels and trinkets, gardening, Vabbi, voodoo dolls

Dislikes: The Afflicted, Shiro, Oni, slow casting binding rituals!!



Sidenote: Illudia Absurdus's character is looking through and illusionary mirror. It's not a normal mirror, so I don't want her to think she's the only one not displaying her powers.

Also, my assassin isn't wearing her normal armor in this picture I drew. I freestyled the design of her armor because the original armor I had drew her in was much to cluttered and complicated, so I opted for something simpler.

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkchyld View Post
Here's my entry. I've finally finished and I really hope you guys like it. Really nice ! I esp love the ritulalist's pose very nice colors too ! and very nice bios to all ur characters

GothicRider

GothicRider

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2008

[Goth]

R/Mo

Finally done, here's my entry:


My character Diapazonic composes Eleni's dreams with his enchanted violin, somewhere on the isle of Jade.

I didn't use both of you, cause then the idea of the drawing would go from slightly erotic to downright pervert.
Clothes aren't from the game, armor wasn't appropriate for the peaceful atmosphere I was aiming for. They still fit in the Guild Wars style though.
I'm not famous for my digital coloring, but I think it came out nice.
I am aware the roses have no thorns or leaves, it was kinda crowded, so I decided to go without them.
The resolution is 1600x1187.
It could use some more tweaking, but it's ok.
What do you think?

Widowmaker

Widowmaker

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2008

N/



Guess it is about time I threw my mask in as well.

Eleni's dress really did start out as the Kurzick dress but somewhere along the way I made a few alterations here and there as it just didn't seem "mesmer" enough to me. Well, that and doing the design myself was way too much fun.

Being an outdoors, snow and frost kind of girl my mesmer was going to show them both the delights of the Kurzick lands in winter but Dream Haunt's attire soon convinced her a tour of her ancestral home would be more appropriate.

Being both a mesmer with a flair for the dramatic and sharing the place with her necromancer sister her home is a dark and foreboding place. As well as disturbing unwanted guests this also makes it perfect for setting just the right mood for an evening in Kurzick lands.

In short, this was to be out in a snow-covered forest and Dream Haunt very nearly ended up with a Norn coat in place of her short jacket.

I wasn't sure how tall to make your mesmers, my girl is max height and tends to tower over pretty much everybody so I just settled on making your girls a little shorter as not many go for such a tall girl.

Just hope this looks okay, my graphics card went funky last week so I'm not 100% sure how this actually looks.

Good luck everybody, though I suspect I know who is going to snag 1st I'm not going to jinx them with a predication.

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Widowmaker View Post


Guess it is about time I threw my mask in as well.
Ok... I thought judging was gonna be difficult, now it's gonna be very very difficult !

This is awesome work widowmaker ! Stunning colors and I think Eleni's gonna spaz when she sees her dress ! Simply awesome

Quote: Originally Posted by GothicRider View Post
Finally done, here's my entry:


My character Diapazonic composes Eleni's dreams with his enchanted violin, somewhere on the isle of Jade. I think Imageshack is acting up and I can't see your entry now Hope it gets ok soon. If not, could you please reupload your submission ? Thanks !

Quick announcement : We'll be posting results of this competition on the 7th - 10th December. If anyone wants to make a last minute submission, please post it within the next 5 days. Thanks all and good luck !

Darkchyld

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2008

Quote:
Originally Posted by Widowmaker View Post


Guess it is about time I threw my mask in as well.

Eleni's dress really did start out as the Kurzick dress but somewhere along the way I made a few alterations here and there as it just didn't seem "mesmer" enough to me. Well, that and doing the design myself was way too much fun.

Being an outdoors, snow and frost kind of girl my mesmer was going to show them both the delights of the Kurzick lands in winter but Dream Haunt's attire soon convinced her a tour of her ancestral home would be more appropriate.

Being both a mesmer with a flair for the dramatic and sharing the place with her necromancer sister her home is a dark and foreboding place. As well as disturbing unwanted guests this also makes it perfect for setting just the right mood for an evening in Kurzick lands.

In short, this was to be out in a snow-covered forest and Dream Haunt very nearly ended up with a Norn coat in place of her short jacket.

I wasn't sure how tall to make your mesmers, my girl is max height and tends to tower over pretty much everybody so I just settled on making your girls a little shorter as not many go for such a tall girl.

Just hope this looks okay, my graphics card went funky last week so I'm not 100% sure how this actually looks.

Good luck everybody, though I suspect I know who is going to snag 1st I'm not going to jinx them with a predication. Wow! Now I'm beginning to get very scared! This is great artwork! My Mesmer is also max height, lol. She usually tower sover everyone as well, which I think ups her intimidation factor a bit. If I had to guess I'd say she's 5'11" in flats, and about 6'3"-6'5" in heels!

Morag D

Morag D

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Mar 2007

UK/Austria

[bone]

P/

wow, great last-minute entries!

respect @ darkchyld for drawing 5 chars - amazing!
I also love yours, Izarian, lovely idea and your char is so cute going like 'Whut the heck??'

Widowmaker - absolutely stunning, that dress is sooo... - I want one great atmosphere and I think you captured the characters really nicely

*sits tight awaiting judgement* WOOT awesome contest!!



uhm btw, edited the link to a slightly larger-res version into my original submission post, kthx

GothicRider

GothicRider

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2008

[Goth]

R/Mo

Dunno what happened, I uploaded it again.
Agreed, Morag D, the last minute ones were worth the wait. Can't wait for the wonderful, beautiful, smart and widely acclaimed judges to decide on the winners.

Qing Guang

Qing Guang

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2008

California

Lucid Spirits [LIFE]

N/A

Aaaand at the last minute the competition doubles. Almost done with mine, will try to have it up this evening. Augh, I can't decide on a background!

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

There's one entry I'm personally very fond of. It's the entry I have everywhere - as my pc wallpaper, as my laptop wallpaper, and as my cell fone wallpaper

The prizes are gonna be very, very tough to decide on.... Lyssa give me strength !

Lavender62

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Sep 2008

Amazing Righteous Exterminators [ARE]

Rt/

Hiya! *nips in and puts entry on the table*

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/612...coupleszf4.jpg

I thought a kurzick party (say one of her relatives was celebrating a victory against the luxons ) would be the perfect excuse for Eleni to get into that dress, and of course, Dream would come along too, always ready to negotiate new trade contracts between her empire and the wealthy kurzick elite . During the evening, they meet Raoul, an elementalist employed as a traveling scribe at the Durheim Archives, and Diego, a mesmer with big plans for the future. The four of them have a fun evening, chatting about anything and everything (and drinking a cup or three of their preferred beverage) until they decide to step outside and take some air. Here, away from judgmental eyes and with the strains of the latest music floating towards them from the open door, they enjoy a slow, private dance .

This started as a disneyish looking picture, then I added more and more shading...*finger cramps* I'm happy with how its turned out, considering that it's the first picture I've completely colored in using my tablet. Hope you guys like it .

Widowmaker

Widowmaker

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2008

N/

Quote:
Originally Posted by powercozmic View Post
Stunning colors and I think Eleni's gonna spaz when she sees her dress ! Simply awesome
Thank you, and to be honest I hope so; I had so
much fun with that dress.

Quote: Originally Posted by Darkchyld View Post Wow! Now I'm beginning to get very scared! This is great artwork! Thank you.

Quote: My Mesmer is also max height, lol. She usually tower sover everyone as well, which I think ups her intimidation factor a bit. If I had to guess I'd say she's 5'11" in flats, and about 6'3"-6'5" in heels! I'd have to go with at least 6'2 in her stocking feet, they tower over most males as well. I keep getting people running up to her, standing next to her for a few seconds then running off. I can only assume they are testing their height against her.

Quote: Originally Posted by Morag D View Post
Widowmaker - absolutely stunning, that dress is sooo... - I want one great atmosphere and I think you captured the characters really nicely Thank you. I love your piece, a lovely blend of styles.

Quote:
*sits tight awaiting judgement* WOOT awesome contest!! Agreed. The standard of the entries is wonderful, some of the best I've seen here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lavender62 View Post

StarrTheInsane

StarrTheInsane

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Feb 2007

Stephenville, TX

D/W

So, for future reference, in order to get an album full of awesome character art, you need 775k (just in case the top 5 all draw both toons) 15 ectos and 3 months...I'm so screwed... *goes back to corner to draw her own toons*

But seriously, these last minute entries are beautiful. The girls may be in need of a spa day or a vacation after all these nights out.

Illudia Absurdus

Illudia Absurdus

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Sep 2008

I live in an Illusion of Beauty and Art...

Subliminal Verses [Goth]

Me/

OOO Holy, mighty Lyssa.... I saw 5 masterpieces at once...I am not feeling well...Goodness I REALLY am speechless... Where to begin from...

-Gothic rider - You had an awesome idea All the things I like are included in your drawing =P!

-Then...Darkchyld....Omg....Just OMG! Wonderful, simply wonderful! Coloring, shading, poses! Mirror is a lovely touch, indirect damage and all Way to go!

-Izarian, fantastic unique style, I love the idea and the look of your face. Dream haunt is using mesmeric ownage skills again?:P My face kinda reminds me of Helena Bonham Carter's face so that's a plus :P lol! (Note: My mesmer is doing exactly what I love doing...Drawing )

-Ermmm... Widowmaker's work brought foams in my mouth! I was so amazed by it that I even started mumbling weird words :P I never really believed someone would go further than the kurzick dress and I really respect you now because it's simply F A N T A S T I C! I want that dress! Now =P! And both you and Dream look very cool :kneels: (there was only a small mistake but it's not that important, it's the fact that my mesmer also has the maximum height even though Kurzicks are considered short. My char though is half Kurzick. Still the awesomeness of the dress made me drool!)

-Lavender62, that's a breathtaking dancing scene, the whole ball idea is fantastic itself. It's somehow referesingly romantic (and the ele is also cute). Very nice and vivid colors as well creating a wonderful effect with the details! Bravo bravo (Note: Me and Dream always search for a reason to have fun )

Final Note: Judging and choosing the winners is going to be a pain... A lovable pain indeed! I'd love to be in such pain 24/7! :P

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

All entries for this art contest (except 2 who didn't want their art displayed) can be found here :

http://powercozmic.blogspot.com/2008...rs-fanart.html

It's good to see so much talent here Every serious entry is unique and stylish in it's own way.

Darkchyld

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2008

Thank you all for your generous comments! And I'm glad Powercozmic and Illudia loved my artwork. Good luck to everyone!

And Lydia, I hope you get a tablet. They're so worth it!

And Widowmaker, we need to get together in GW and see who's the tallest! I always figured people ran up to my Mesmer because they thought she was gorgeous. I never thought about them testing their heights.

Qing Guang

Qing Guang

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2008

California

Lucid Spirits [LIFE]

N/A

Here's mine (finally):



Gui Qiang's parents run the Shing Jea Arena, and she grew up admiring the Mesmers and their glamorous dress. While she eventually became a Necromancer and devout follower of Grenth, she maintains a deep love of Mesmers' elegant attire (and is especially obsessed with Elite Kurzick armor, which is in vogue among the members of Lucid Spirits). As such, she empathizes with Eleni's desire for traditional Kurzick clothes, so of course they would spend an evening trying out clothes.

Sorry this is so late and is kind of grainy - the scanner didn't read the colored pencil well. Other than that I think it's a personal best, yay!

Omega Precept

Omega Precept

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2007

San Francisco, CA

Graduates of Berkeley

E/

Crazy Awesome Rewards Guys! I wish I had an artist skill of any kind! I can't wait to see all the finish pieces of art work! With so much at steak you are really going to bring out the best talent! Can not wait to see the gallery of entries. Forgive me if I over looked this but are they going to be posted on a website or on guru?

~Cheers

StormX

StormX

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2005

E/Mo

I know the contest is over but whatever



A quick sketch I did some time ago (ikno the hair is wrong pffft)

OK thnx bai

GOOOD LUCK PPLE I think I know whos gonna win!

Illudia Absurdus

Illudia Absurdus

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Sep 2008

I live in an Illusion of Beauty and Art...

Subliminal Verses [Goth]

Me/

Hehe, what a different Necro you have there Qing Guang I am ready to lend my frilly kurzick dresses whenever you wish!

Darkchyld

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jan 2008

When will we see the contest results? The anticipation is driving me insane! I vote the contest results be posted today!

GothicRider

GothicRider

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2008

[Goth]

R/Mo

Everyone wins!

Morag D

Morag D

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Mar 2007

UK/Austria

[bone]

P/

Yeah I'd like to know too :P judge fasterrrr xD

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

Hi all Sorry about the delay. I've decided on the winners already but I haven't been able to meet my co-host partly cos of time problems (India & Greece) and other general rl stuff. But we will post soon have patience

All I can say is from my side, there have been some slight changes as far as winners are concerned ...

powercozmic

powercozmic

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

The Cosmic Ocean

DVDF

Me/

Update to prizes :
1st place : 350k + 5 ectos + a red rose
2nd place : 160k + 4 ectos + a red rose
3rd place : 120k + 3 ectos + a red rose
4th place : 70k + 2 ectos + a red rose
5th place : 60k + 1 ecto + a red rose
6th place : 50k + 1 ecto
7th place : 30k + 1 ecto

We added the 6th and 7th places cos we felt there are too many good entries.

All the other artists who entered will get an ecto + a bottle of grog each

The winners list will be posted within 3 to 4 days

Morag D

Morag D

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Mar 2007

UK/Austria

[bone]

P/

wow, this astonishing! :O
I'm getting quite itchy about the results now

Qing Guang

Qing Guang

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2008

California

Lucid Spirits [LIFE]

N/A

Same here! I've been checking the page every day... good to know now roughly how much longer there is.
Also, thanks for offering an even bigger reward. The first one was already huge by my standards... you are certainly generous patrons! Makes me feel like an actual portrait artist, hehe.
Out of curiosity, will the crazy-good people like Morag D (love your picture, btw, the Art Nouveau style is gorgeous) who did both mesmers and their character still get +50k to their reward?

Widowmaker

Widowmaker

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2008

N/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Qing Guang View Post
will the crazy-good people like Morag D You should probably take a bow at this point, Morag.

------------------------

I've never seen prizes go up after a deadline. Very generous indeed.

Good luck to everyone, though I'm sure we all have our own ideas who is going to take the top prizes. Are we having a big get together for the winners to collect their prizes or are we just going to collect them when time permits?