nendil: (tablet)
nendil ([personal profile] nendil) wrote2009-08-02 01:27 pm

HP Tarot thumbnails - Strength

I was going to present the cards in the order I finished the thumbnails, but I wanted to talk about this one, so here it is today.

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"The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon - hope, happiness, the desire to survive - but it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the Dementors can't hurt it." - Remus Lupin


Strength refers to inner strength and fortitude that overcomes and controls raw impulses. This card depicts Harry summoning the true form of his Patronus for the first time.

Notable art bits:
1. The traditional Strength card depicts a woman taming a lion (the primal, baser instincts) through her grace and purity. Of course, here we see Harry "taming" his Patronus, which requires overcoming his fears and acknowledging his magical potential, etc etc.

2. This is one of my favorite cards, largely because it depicts one of the most ethereal and touching scenes in the books. It's largely unchanged from the old version I had previously, except for improved art skills and an even more delicate touch, because the visual of the scene in my head (or as JKR described it) is so strong. In fact I was quite amazed when the Prisoner of Azkaban movie produced visuals almost exactly like what I had envisioned, except that much to my disappointment Harry never actually met his stag in the movie. Maybe it's for the better because then I feel free to do my own version instead of fighting with perfection from something that already exists.

3. Yeah, I cheated and used a photo of a real deer. It looks much more non-distorted realistic that way! I will be repainting it for the big card of course, this is just a thumbnail. I'm just glad to have found a pose that sufficiently conveys the sensitive emotional impact of the scene.

Oh my god speaking of Harry and his patronus, you guys have to hear my coworker tell his story of what it was like working with Alfonso Cuaron for the patronus CG effects, except I can't really tell you because it's, like, sensitive work gossip information. Let's just say that it's no coincidence that Harry is shooting silvery stuff out of his wand at thirteen.

</MOMENT RUINED>

[identity profile] simhuman.livejournal.com 2009-08-02 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
1) The thumbnail looks wonderful and I love the... light/dark balance and design. (So not good at talking about art.)

2) Ffffffffff whatttttt

[identity profile] nendil.livejournal.com 2009-08-02 11:18 pm (UTC)(link)
You know what else Cuaron directed? Y Tu Mama Tambien. Yeah.

[identity profile] ctrl-a.livejournal.com 2009-08-03 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
Mm, I kinda liked the old deer. The photo looks more like a moose to me, which just makes it feel silly. But I'm sure it will look beautiful and sublime when finished. :)

I'll have you know

[identity profile] nendil.livejournal.com 2009-08-03 02:18 am (UTC)(link)
It's not a MOOSE it is a RED DEER (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_deer) which are one of the LARGEST and therefore most MAJESTIC stags NATIVE to the northern parts of England and Scotland and furthermore Image

Re: I'll have you know

[identity profile] ctrl-a.livejournal.com 2009-08-03 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
I know it's not actually a moose. I think it has to do with the pose and the way its neck looks shorter and shaggier. And maybe the lower, broader rack of antlers.
summercomfort: (Default)

[personal profile] summercomfort 2009-08-03 04:31 am (UTC)(link)
I have to agree with the comment that the deer is kinda ... stocky and might overpower Harry.

Oh yeah, total masturbation imagery at the beginning of the movie.
summercomfort: (Default)

[personal profile] summercomfort 2009-08-03 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe we're more used to Bambi-style deer. It's supposed to be an animagus of James Potter, right? (Not Vin Diesel)

srs bsns

[identity profile] nendil.livejournal.com 2009-08-03 04:57 am (UTC)(link)
I'll have you know that Bambi is a roe deer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_deer) which is a sissy tiny-ass deer that doesn't even have proper antlers unless you are talking about the movie Bambi who is a white-tailed deer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_deer) which is not even native outside the Americas and do you expect some pussy 200-lb deer to keep a werewolf (or a Dementor) in check; as a matter of fact Image

[identity profile] nendil.livejournal.com 2009-08-03 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
Hey now, the original Strength card features some frail chick and a LION. That's kind of the point.
summercomfort: (Default)

Re: srs bsns

[personal profile] summercomfort 2009-08-03 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
okay okay uncle uncle I cede the point about werewolf.