Erol Otus Commissioned Work by the Acaeum

Posts: 1311 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:18 am

benjoshua wrote:

Here's who hasn't responded yet:

23. jcp

26. kgreene

28. silver
33. PR III

And I wonder if you ever will again... Wink

Posts: 244 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:27 am

I'm in

And, thanks Paul for the reminder, somehow I missed the call-out a couple pages back!

Posts: 287 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:33 am

Please move me to the bottom of the wait list. If you get to 69 people and have to have one more, I'll be in. Otherwise, I'm out.

Posts: 1255 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:00 am

Gus Landt wrote:

Please move me to the bottom of the wait list. If you get to 69 people and have to have one more, I'll be in. Otherwise, I'm out.

Done!

davidc wrote:

I'm in

And, thanks Paul for the reminder, somehow I missed the call-out a couple pages back!

Yes, if you have not looked at this thread in the past 48 hours, pleae go back to page 34 of this thread and view the print image and announcement. Cool

Posts: 381 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:00 am

Chris,

I thought there was a distribution list you or Foul created via the Acaeum messaging system for this project. You could always use that list to broadcast a private message to indicate continued interest in the print. It may not catch everyone; however, those who have configured their accounts to be notified via email of a new private message will at least be sent notification that a message is waiting. In particular, this might be a useful method to notify those who do not monitor the threads or are infrequent visitors to the site.

Thanks.

Posts: 340 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:16 am

I am in !

Posts: 24 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:19 am

Phaedran wrote:

I have to say I'm a bit surprised at the amount of people bowing out because they don't like the art. The look of it is certainly classic Erol Otus and I'm assuming everyone who wanted one is familiar with his style.

I'm just wondering what it is that people don't like. Is it the look of it or the actual content of the picture? Was there ever a discussion on the boards as to what the picture should or shouldn't look like or was it left up to the artist?

To be clear, I'm not faulting anyone for not liking it. There is plenty of art out there that I don't care for either. I just think the response is interesting.

Let me first say that I am a huge Otus fan. I've been a fan of his since I was a kid. His cover pieces for BX are the very epitome of D&D in my mind. Nothing else even comes close.

When there was an Erol Otus art competition awhile back, I rushed out a couple of pieces at the last minute, just so I could say "Otus has seen some of my art." Below is one of the pieces. Notice that Otus is easily my primary influence in my "D&D" artwork:

I've said all that to say this: this Otus piece stinks.

When I first heard about this print, I was sorry that I came upon it too late to get in on it. Then last night, I saw the actual picture. I wouldn't want a print of that for free, much less to pay for it.

I've never liked every piece of art Otus has done, but this isn't just a case of dislike. It is a matter that this art is truly bad. I would be embarrassed to say I had done this.

When you are doing art against a hard deadline, sometimes it just isn't your day, and you produce a bad piece of art. That is forgivable, for that is life. Sometimes it just doesn't happen for ya. But if I understand correctly, this was an open deadline for Otus. If I had been commissioned with real money, I would beg for permission to start over.

What is so bad about this piece? The colors are flat and bland. The subject of the piece, the characters and monster, are flat and not clearly articulated from the background. The best part of the piece is the building in the background!

I like the idea of the goblin wizard guy, but it is poor execution. His pose, along with the other characters' poses are stiff, flat, and drab, completely uninspiring. The monster is "goofy-oddball." The absolute worst part of the piece is the woman. Seriously, look at her. It looks like something that was done by a kid and belongs on someone's fridge.

This has been very harsh, but it is not posted with a mean spirit. If y'all like the piece, great! I'm just trying to articulate why many people aren't happy with this. I am truly shocked at how bad it is.

Posts: 325 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:31 am

At first I was a little dissapointed. I guess I was expecting a more traditional looking D&D party but the more I look at it the more I like it. I especially like the ACAEUM on the building.

Quote:

The absolute worst part of the piece is the woman. Seriously, look at her. It looks like something that was done by a kid and belongs on someone's fridge.

I like the fact she's not your typical bikini clad adventurer. She looks slightly half-orcish, and with that symbol of Gruumsh on her wand... Cool

Posts: 1255 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:14 am

smarmy1 wrote:

Chris,

I thought there was a distribution list you or Foul created via the Acaeum messaging system for this project. You could always use that list to broadcast a private message to indicate continued interest in the print. It may not catch everyone; however, those who have configured their accounts to be notified via email of a new private message will at least be sent notification that a message is waiting. In particular, this might be a useful method to notify those who do not monitor the threads or are infrequent visitors to the site.

Thanks.

Agreed. I have updated the list, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to send the mass message. My updating revealed interesting questions and issues. Any help on these issues is appreciated.

1)Where's "Islestrike" aka "Ak'Ptui?" Has his name changed again?

2) Is "Zenophus" the same as "Zenophus76?" "Zenophus76" is no longer a member of the Acaeum.

3) "PR III" is no longer a member of the Acaeum. Is this temporary?

ashmire13 wrote:

And I wonder if you ever will again... Wink

Agreed.

Posts: 176 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 11:44 am

Still in here! Thanks guys for doing this!

Posts: 474 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:00 pm

Phaedran wrote:

I have to say I'm a bit surprised at the amount of people bowing out because they don't like the art. The look of it is certainly classic Erol Otus and I'm assuming everyone who wanted one is familiar with his style.

I'm just wondering what it is that people don't like. Is it the look of it or the actual content of the picture? Was there ever a discussion on the boards as to what the picture should or shouldn't look like or was it left up to the artist?

To be clear, I'm not faulting anyone for not liking it. There is plenty of art out there that I don't care for either. I just think the response is interesting.

It's the content:

- I like the tower in the back. Thanks to whomever pointed out the word "ACAEUM" on the tower. Nice touch...

- I don't like the fighter in the middle of the picture. I don't get it... he's just there... I want to put him on a team... a side... And he dominates the picture. He stands out like a sore thumb.

I would have like it better if he was with the two casters fighting the dragon.

Get rid of the Cuthulu dude...

But then again, I don't think he wanted to do another Basic or Expert-type painting.

Posts: 140 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:31 pm

I'm still here ....I've just needed some time to think about this one. Unfortunately I am going to have to take a pass and drop out of this. You can give my place to someone else.

Thank you to the Erol Otus working group for your efforts and hard work in pushing this through. Whether you like the end result or not, this is an example of a few members working for the benefit of the larger Acaeum membership. I appreciate what you all did. Smile

Posts: 2352 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:00 pm

bbarsh is still in. Sorry I am so late to the party...

Posts: 4 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:56 pm

I'm in!

Posts: 2699 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:05 pm

benjoshua wrote:

GREAT NEWS!

Erol Otus has completed the artwork for the first Acaeum Limited Edition art print!

The EO Committee is very excited about this development! This beautiful print will be digital/giclee (pronounced gee-clay) and archival quality. The print will measure 15 1/2 x 24 on paper that is 22 x 28. Each signed and numbered print will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist. Badmike is handling all shipping and handling so you know it will arrive well-packed but will be insured just in case anything happens. This project does not personally profit any member of the Acaeum Committee. We are paying for each of our prints at the same cost expected of everyone else.

The cost per print will be higher than anticipated at $80.00. This does not include shipping and handling costs. The committee did all it could to produce the highest quality print at the best price, and we believe, for a print of this size and quality, it’s quite a bargain. However, in order to assure that the EO Committee is not stuck with left-over prints, it is necessary to do a check on who is still willing to put their money where their mouth is. Therefore, the EO Committee is requesting that each person on BOTH the Suave Seventy List AND the Newest Waiting List state again their intent to buy a print. Once we have at least seventy responses total from both lists, we’ll start accepting money, make the down-payment to the printer, and get the presses rolling. We are unsure as to when the prints would be done, shipped to you, etc…but it could easily be a couple of months. Do NOT send any money now! The cost could change depending on the number of responses and other factors.

The EO Committee consists of grodog, PaulKM, Badmike and benjoshua. We will not reveal the name of the printing company until after all prints are completed. We request no private messages. Any questions or concerns should be addressed on this thread.

Again, great news! If you are on either list, or even if you want to be on the list and are willing to pay, state your intent publicly on the thread as soon as possible.

Wanted to bring the post with the artwork to the current page, so it was easier to find....

Honestly I thought the Cthulhu dude was a bit too much too, But I still like it enough to plunk down the money to purchase this limited artwork.

It will not be placed in the living room though, but on my gaming wall.
Likely the same wall with my copy of the signed limited (Paul Jaquays) Dragons Craig Print http://paul.jaquays.com/trad_dragonscrag.htm
and the Signed North Texas PPGCON poster.
The NTRPGCON poster was signed by almost ALL of last years convention attendees... except for BadMike.... Embarassed

As for the drawing:
Here is my take.

The adventuring group had just left the Acaeum Research College's tower for an adventure.
Fighter was in the lead of course with the Mage and Cleric behind him.
Fighter walks into the cave with his sword in hand...
Does not see the Dragon/Cthulhu critter.
It totally surprises him, breathing Frost/Ice at him, turning him into a Popsicle...
The Wizard then shoots a magical blast at the Dragon/Cthulhu critter to draw its attention from the helpless fighter/Popsicle, while the Cleric attempts to warm the fighter/Popsicle up enough for the fighter/Popsicle to get back in the fight...

Honestly?
I think the adventurer's are doomed...... Laughing

Posts: 24 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:57 pm

Ekim Toor wrote:

She looks slightly half-orcish, and with that symbol of Gruumsh on her wand... Cool

I thought she looked more like half human, half wookiee-midget... Shocked

Posts: 2352 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:03 pm

Hmmm. I guess I should have flipped back a few pages to actually see the art.

I am still in.

But I have to say that I am not really excited about the work. It is fine work, but it just seems rather "unacaeumlike" to me. Ok, I see the building, whatever.
But this piece is more action oriented - a piece befitting a forum that is focused on "play" rather than the "research" nature of the acauem. I hate to say this, but that is a Dragonsfoot piece if ever I saw one.

Did the board really have no impact on the subject matter of the piece? I am not complaining. I didn't do anything to move it along so I really can't be too judgmental. But I am paying for it.

By the way Gnat. The dragon thing is wounded so I think the fighter got a shot in.

Posts: 422 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:46 pm

I'd like to thank the EO committee for their hard work. I can't even imagine how difficult this effort was to collaborate - over the internet no less!

Artwork is always subjective, and while I'm not too keen on the artwork myself, I committed to purchase a print and will still be thrilled to have a limited edition Erol Otus artwork, specifically one drawn for Acaeum members!

It's just a matter of where it will go now. Originally, I was hoping for above my desk. My criticisms (although nobody asked for them!) are the fighter wearing the dragon helm...reminds me of the old Elric artwork from Pacific Comics and the choice of some sort of Cthulhu critter over a good ole' fantasy dragon.

Regardless of my personal feelings about one illustration, EO has more talent for drawing in his toenail clippings than I have in my entire body.

Very Happy

Posts: 4 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:51 pm

This might sound odd, but will the sketch be part of the finished product in any way? For example, on the back or part of the cert of authenticity or something? I think it would be interesting to compare the sketch to the final in detail.

benjoshua wrote:

And here it is!

The "Acaeum" citadel is in the background to the left and outside the cave. The monster is, as of yet, unnamed. The fighter is in the middle, the cleric is behind and healing and the magic-user is at the bottom left. Enjoy! :D

Posts: 434 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:06 pm

It reminds me a bit of early EQ raids. Tank has agro on dragon. Cleric/casters heal/buff and increase hate for tank. Wizards alternate between killing trash mobs and smacking dragon. (and getting rezs from clerics for drawing too much hate). Ranger are back in the tower outside of agro/hate range killing the dragon from afar.