Lack of Attention to Detail - Silhouette Challenge

This graphic was going to be posted in the Xara Gallery then I thought better of it. I decided that this would make another great, not so challenging, challenge.

When making drawings by hand or with the aid of software we all agonize at one time or another how much detail to put into the final drawing. That's why this Silhouette Challenge is going to emphasize just the opposite and focus our attention on the outline and interaction of various shapes. Additionally, we won't have to worry too much about what color to make our objects as almost all of them will have a uniform, solid color fill.

This challenge is for everyone that can draw objects and give nearly all of them a flat, single color, solid fill. How easy can you get? This should appeal to new users of Xara Xtreme as well as seasoned veterans of the software. It's up to you decide how simple or complex your final composition will be. You'll see that no complex fills, feathering, shadows, or transparencies are needed or necessary to make an effective silhouette drawing.

Here's my Street Silhouette Scene to kick things off and provide an example of what this challenge is all about. I started out with the silhouette of the girl and got carried away with the rest of the objects in the finished drawing. Every object in the drawing has a solid black fill except for the background (a four color fill) and the sidewalk (a flat orange fill). If you're a new user don't let any of this discourage you. I've seen compelling silhouette drawings that are comprised solely of single shapes of varying sizes. So, c'mon, let's see your 'lack of attention to detail' put to good use in a silhouette drawing of your own creation.

See you on the dark (or maybe light) side,
Harry

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I did a series of these 'simplistic' illustrations Harry in August.
A very satisfying exercise it was too.

http://www.talkgraphics.com/attachme...1&d=1254741039

Ah, yes Steve, I remember the them well. And a fine job you did with the whole series. Thanks for posting a representative sample and the link to the rest in this thread.

I recall several others that have tried their hand, and succeeded, at this technique: JokeArtist, Albacore (the moderator of this Challenge forum), and TimS to name but a few.

First quite day for months! When I saw this challenge thought it was worth while to give it a go. I was trying for a gangster comic book style which I think I managed and to get a rough look I drew it out very quickly and then changed all the lines to shapes giving me a chance then to roughen all the lines up. After that is the bit that I got slightly lost on as I started to add shapes to get an overall look and messed the hand up.

Hi Harry, here 2 Silhouettes drawed in Xtreme. thank you for the Challenge. Regards BP

Those are great silhouettes BP - look like book illustrations to me


@HAYTAY:

Harry - are we limited to xtreme for this challange?

Those are Really nice BP. Very good rhythm in the designs.

Thought to give it a go,so here it is

Hans

Y'all are putting my silhouette image to shame. Way to go! That's some seriously nice work Steve, Peter, BP and Hans. I look forward to seeing more submissions to this challenge by everyone.

Next...,
Harry

Quote:

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Harry - are we limited to xtreme for this challange?

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Steve J > Absolutely not. While Xara products are the preferred software for the challenge you're more than welcome to use any software at your disposal to create an appropriate image. This challenge is more about exploring a technique (limited detail, limited colors, limited shading, limited feathering, etc.) than about what software was used.

I'm looking forward to your submission. If you use a different application to create your graphic be sure to let us know what you used.

Less can be more,
Harry

Thank you Steve, larry and Harry. Steve, i draw such drawings only at home and such like Image decorations for the home. Sledger nice image, Hans this silhouette is very nice, like it.Harry may i make one suggestion if you do not mind, i see in your silhouette, using of many colors at the background. I think one shape with another color will be good. but it´s very nice silhouette. Here another 2 silhouettes drawed in Xtreme too. hope you like it. Regards BP

Hmmm... You may be right BP. Here's two updated versions based on your suggestion.

Thanks for the constructive criticism,
Harry

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Here's the last one before getting some sleep.

I finally got up enough courage to draw a car. ;) This was started with the Text Tool, modified using the Mould Tool, and hand polished using the Shape Editor Tool. Information provided just in case someone wanted to know how I wound up shaping the letters.

Fun and simple (like me),
Harry

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Nice car, Harry. It would have made a great logo if it were easier to read.
Saludos,
Bob.

Wow great silhouettes guys! Mine is just a few simple shapes

Bob > Thanks. That's what I was thinking. But, as you noted, the out of place lettering severely detracts from its readability factor. Even when you know what the letters spell.

Frances > You have done well to capture the essence of this challenge. It's always a joy seeing your drawings. Thanks for 'casting your shadow' with the rest of us.

Took the next step and made it in the spirit of the season

Hans

Attachment 66553
long way home

regards Jon>:)

Perhaps not strictly a silhouette or lacking in detail. The clouds are a photo overdrawn with foreground details.
Derek

Two drawings for the price of one.

Harry I like the simplicity of the one without the radiating circles.

Young Love...:D

Took a break from painting :D ;)

Hans

Nice challenge, Harry, thanks.

Here's my attempt.
Saludos,
Bob.

still from animation......

Haakoo> Hans that first post of yours is lovely [#8]

WOW!!! Fantastic new silhouette submissions from everyone. It's great seeing the different techniques used by others and learning from them.

Albacore > The young woman is looking rather pregnant in the image with the white background. Was it a planned pregnancy or an oopsie?

Here's my effort ...

Here's something from me (think different ;))...

Attachment 66709

Sill o' wet? Sill is wet?

Yes Nancy.
I was thinking 'sill-all-wet', spoken out loud. But this would depend a bit on your accent and diction ;)

I'm still chuckling over that one, Steve. :) Thanks for that...

Simply silhouette ...

Everyone has done such a wonderful job and all are unique....even Steve's :)

here a silhouette I made a long time ago !!!!

Best regards

Witch on Broom with her cat Licorice. Not sure if she flying or walking across the sky. Expression 3

Something Halloweenish.

I just keep witching Along. Expression 3

Not quite the right holiday. ;)

Here's one of my earlier works - simple silhouette.

7 keys to love.

Attachment 67105

Vic - mindseye.