Hmm.... Who do I vote for...? ~_~
*AHEM!!!* ...After an incredibly long time, here are my top 7 choices for this round's contest - as well as my own reasons and opinions on why I like them so much. So, without further ado:
1.) Idoll's version of Cu Chulainn. Why so? Because I like the overall representation of that character as well as the tragic, yet heroic story associated with this one (which IS informative, I might add, since I didn't know most of the Irish legends including him). Good use of the colors, too! :)
Idoll's work seems to be quite striking and bold in terms of presentation. I like that. Even if Idoll doesn't win, I see PLENTY of promising great work coming from this person sometime in the future....
2.) Fliptop's designs always seem to caught my eye one way or the other, and his Alastair from Scotland is no exception here. Many points to you for actually making use of the bow and quiver to accentuate this design's overall flair. He really looks like a masculine, deadly and grim-looking fellow, now that I've seen him properly.... Wow...! o.O
Fliptop surely works hard to create his CaS, and it definitely shows here. Unfortunately, there are indeed plenty of people that are better than him when it comes to making incredible works of art. Nevertheless, I noticed that he is improving his work slowly but surely, for he actually learns how to do it better than before through experience.
I will look forward to see where your work can go from here.
3.) Matty82's version of France's Marie Antoinette (or inspired by her, according to his words) really caught me by surprise when she first appeared. I mean, sure, it was an alternate entry that invalidated the first version, but there's no denying the fact that his artistic talent shows in the resulting masterpiece despite all that. Truly incredible, I must say! ^_^
While Matty82 claims that this work is submitted to this contest for sheer fun (which surprised me even more when I read his post, to be honest), I think that its' a strong contender to win it all due to the amount of artistical and classical influences involved in this one. However, since there are indeed plenty of talented people participating in this contest, he might be facing stiff competition....
...Perhaps that's probably the reason why Matty82 could make his works of art SO good: He is having a lot of fun when it comes to creating them. Hmm.... I guess I have a lot to learn, huh...? ~_~
4.) MistaKoo's Osman of the Ottoman Empire looks incredibly good! I would really award him a LOT of points in terms of sheer improvisation alone! The fact that the very same improvisation only improved the overall design of that Turk - in addition to the excellent use of patterns, too!
In case the rest of you folks haven't noticed yet, I was talking about the improvised Sultan Hat, of course. ;)
All in all, it was really a great design, MistaKoo. Not bad at all!
5.) Samaras_Madness created a masterpiece by the name of Anastasia of Russia. What makes it so is that the mix of colors in that character somehow pleases me so much - so much, in fact, that I'm actually inspired by it! Not to mention that she also looks beautifully done when it comes to her overall design, too. ^^
I'm truly humbled, Samaras_Madness.... Nothing else needs to be said.
6.) Gatsu has really delivered his share of masterpieces from different parts of the world. However, Le_Bello himself had to personally tell him that only one may be submitted, and that me and the others had to tell him which one that he should send for the contest. And so, he chose the Spanish Toreador, Miguel.
I must admit that I'm incredibly impressed by Miguel's overall design. The degree of realism that most of his designs seem to have is much more prevalent here compared to the others, and that impressed me to no end. A real masterpiece! m(_ _)m
Nevertheless, there are many talented designs that might rival this one, so anything is possible at this point....
7.) Leona's entry is, by far, the biggest surprise of all because not only it was unexpected, but it was quite unnoticeable until I've seen it at the last moment. Her CaS skills used to create Jolana, the Hungarian Gypsy were quite amazing, judging from what I've seen so far. From the look of her face; to the choice of clothing used; to the correct skin tone; and even the choice of accessories make this one of the most simple, yet elegantly made designs that I've ever seen in my life!
...And did I forget to mention that the amount of colors, stickers and patterns that were used for this character were incredibly fitting, too? In fact, I'd even dare say that THIS is a true masterpiece! Magnificent...!
HONORABLE MENTION: LordDraco3's Comrade Astaroth is incredibly a riot! I really like it, man! xD
However, because his design looks a bit pale compared to the others above, yet more better than the rest, I guess this design will have to settle for this spot (which is still incredibly cool since it amused me to no end!).
...Now that I've enumerated my top 7 choices, here's what I have to say BEFORE I reveal my choice. And do take note that this is the THIRD time that I'll say this:
To be quite honest with you, there's absolutely TOO MANY talented people participating in this contest, submitting incredibly magnificent works of art from left and right for me to choose from! My brain feels like its literally floating in the middle of the great Pacific Ocean right now, taking a nice, long vacation in the sun.... Damn it...! T^T
Due to this, I also wish to congratulate every single participant in this round's contest, win or lose, for the sheer amount of inspiration that you're giving me and making it one of the most memorable experiences of my life, EVER! With all that said, here are my top 5 WINNERS for this contest, in terms of sheer overall quality ~
*) 1st Place: Jolana, the Hungarian Gypsy by Leona. I simply just CAN'T stop looking at her design at all! Hell, if I didn't have enough self-control, I might keep on gazing at her for hours! o_O
...And that alone, deserves my vote. Congratulations! m(_ _)m
*) 2nd Place: Miguel, the Spanish Toreador by Gatsu. This design would've won it all - if it weren't for Leona's surprise entry (which I really didn't anticipate at all, to be perfectly honest). If it were possible, I think both you and Leona should tie for first place. However, Le_Bello perfectly made clear in his rules which meant, "There can only be ONE winner."
Nevertheless, you managed to create a GREAT masterpiece and you should keep it in your collection, man. Well done! ^_^
*) 3rd Place: Matty82's version of Marie Antoinette. The sheer quality of this work of art cannot be underestimated at all, even if it does seem to fall short compared to the top two.... If Matty82 himself were serious and made a better design, he would've won this contest hands down! Instead, he decided on this design, which STILL earns him 3rd place from me....
In any case, it was a splendid work of art coming from you, but of course you already knew that! Thanks again also for giving me something to think about with that design, too! :)
*) 4th Place: Fliptop's Alastair of Scotland is already impressive, and I think I've already mentioned earlier about the reasons why I like this design so much. 'Nuff said!
Keep it up, man! :D
*) 5th Place: The last place belongs to Samaras_Madness' Anastasia of Russia. The reason? Because of the creator's great mix of colors (which gave me a TON of inspiration, mind you!) as well as the character's overall design. Too bad it gets overshadowed by the top 4, but I still this find design incredibly neat anyway. Cool! ^^
I'd also like to see more of that coloring style from your future CaS designs, Samaras_Madness. Please continue what you've started. I'm serious. :)
...And that wraps up my votes for today. Thank you all for reading and have a pleasant day! Later...! ^_^
