Jakub Rozalski is somewhat of an internet sensation. His project “Scythe” with Stonemeier Games rasied almost 2 million on Kick Starter. Mr Rozalski has received nothing but praise for his work from many of his fans. This will be a critical look at the art and the artist know as Mr Werewolf.
THE ART OF TRACING
Something most don´t know is that Jakub Rozalski traces almost all of the key elements in his paintings. A few artist can draw straight from imagination, some use reference and there are those that trace (redraw or paint on top of photos) in one way or another. Some trace their own work some trace parts of photos to speed up the work process. Even the great Leonardo Da Vinci was rumored to use some sort of tracing. Tracing is neither bad nor good (it can be a part of the creative process) but it becomes a problem when it is used as a crutch to substitute basic knowledge of anatomy, perspective and lighting.
In Jakub Rozalskis case it´s simply over-painted photos, movie frames and other art (as you can see in the examples). The backgrounds are photos, so are most of the characters and even some of the tanks and robots.
Truth be told he didn´t even mention that he uses photos until confronted on his Instagram. He added short disclaimers under a handful of his pieces that mention the use of “reference”.
What left me confused was the fact that he has numerous tutorials out of which not even one mentions this fact. What´s worse is that it´s clear to anybody with digital-art knowledge that his tutorials are manufactured afterwards to “fake” a proper art process. It´s actually the first time I´ve seen anybody go to these lengths and one of the reasons I decided to write this analysis.
A lot can be tolerated when and artist creates something original and strong conceptually but even in this case Jakub Rozalski´s work falls short . Looking at his work it´s hard not to see a that it´s influenced by Simon Stalehag work. Not to mention the fact that similar concepts have been out there before (Wolfenstein, Hardkor 44, Jin-Roh Wolf Brigade, Dust Tactics and Mech Warrior to mention just a few).
I could analyze Jakubs compositions which deserve a chapter of their own but maybe some other time.
Credit where credit is due and the art does look good and works perfectly for SCYTHE. What sets his work apart from similar steam punk works is the slavic mythology/history theme and the use of mounts which give many of the pictures an epic feeling.
HOW HARD CAN IT BE
Somebody on Deviant art actually did a tutorial to see if Jakubs techniques can be duplicated. This is the result and it´s pretty good for two hours of work by somebody with almost not training: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Process-565954274 This illustrates how easy and fast this technique really is.
THE BIG PICTURE
To me good art starts with the artist but doesn´t end with the picture. Good art is more than just the surface. It´s the whole story. Artists should embrace what they do! They should take pride in what they do and in how they do it! There are many talented artist who put in hard work to create magic, share their knowledge, assets (brushes, textures) and make the community a better place. It´s disappointing to see someone who´s almost the opposite of that get credit for borrowed ideas and traced photos.
Below are a few more examples of tracings.
mrwerewolfblog 