Redesigning The Seven Samurai: Kyuzo

Kyuzo concept

Kyuzo joined the samurai in order to test his skills against a new foe. Out of all the samurai Kyuzo was probably the most skilled swordsman. I thought the lizard really suited him and I was fortunate enough to find one that almost looked as though he had the top knot shape so I went with it. Here is my process.

Final sketch for Kyuzo

flats and reference

Before getting started with the paints I usually pick out the individual shapes and make them in different layers. The sketch goes on top on a multiply layer so that I can keep the idea on top. I also like to gather some reference so that I don't lose sight of what makes a lizard look like a lizard.

sketch turned down, adding details

I'll turn the opacity down gradually as my painting is coming together and I don't need to rely on the sketch as much. Here I've added some of the details to the sword and clothing as well as painted in the eye.

shadows

At this point I can start working the shadows in where I think the light will be coming from. For this step sometimes I'll use a multiply layer over the top of the flat layer that I've created.

textures and final shadows

By this point we're really cooking so I'll find some nice textures and refine my shadows. Finally it's on to the lighting to finish off the painting. Overlay layers work well for this and I like to bring a warm sun like quality to my light side and add a cooler rim light to the dark side.

Final Painting of Kyuzo

Let me know in the comments if you liked seeing the process behind the painting, I'm happy to upload the rest of the series this way if it interests you. Stay tuned for the rest of the seven samurai. I hope you enjoyed, thanks for looking!

Check out the other samurai!
https://steemit.com/art/@fumansiu/redesigning-the-seven-samurai-kambei-shimada
https://steemit.com/art/@fumansiu/redesigning-the-seven-samurai-katsushiro-okamoto