Newbie Bearing Gift

Yeade · #1 10-04-2007, 12:45 AM

Hi all! I'm new to these forums (er, obviously) and, as a board-warming gift, I've a silly picture that I drew some years ago of the landscape about the high water mark at Gettysburg. You can view my drawing at deviantART. I'm afraid it's not very exciting--nor all that good--what with me being a strictly amateur artist.

Anyways, I'm very glad to have found a large and devoted American Civil War community. Though I tend to lurk, I'll enjoy following the discussions here and may, one day, even ask questions and contribute.

unionblue · #2 10-04-2007, 08:10 AM

Welcome Yeade,

And I think you do yourself a mild disservice when you claim the gift you bring to be not "all that good."

I may not know much about art and style, but I know what I like and I very much enjoyed your drawing.

Nice having you on board.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

larry_cockerham · #3 10-04-2007, 10:34 AM

I have been schooled by some folks who know landscape art and who had the wisdom to just let me go my way. Your work is quite accomplished. The thing that makes it valuable beyond the graphic quality is your knowledge and love of the events that occurred at that place. Keeping those two elements together, you can provide a most valuable service in developing the understanding of those yet to walk this earth. I agree with Neil (occasionally). You do indeed bring a valuable addition to this group. Don't lurk so long, jump in the mud puddle and let us know what you think. We're all learning here and welcome your addition.

Yeade · #4 10-04-2007, 11:01 AM

Thanks so much, unionblue and larry_cockerham! I'm glad you like my little picture.

I guess I'm just dissatisfied that I can't draw human figures or, well, anything else without a reference of some kind. Also, that small illustration took me hours to finish; I spent pretty much the entire morning of my last day at Gettysburg sitting on a rock a few long paces north of the copse of trees, sketching. I like the fine lines a mechanical pencil gives me but, as I was never formally taught, I don't know much more than you about art and style.

Basically, I have a kind of artist's inferiority complex. I really do appreciate you two helping me with that.

Maybe I'll draw more Civil War stuff. I've always wanted to do a historical adaptation of the characters from the sci-fi TV series Stargate Atlantis. Can, in fact, see a SGA comic set during the ACW. I'm thinking a story hinged on Allatoona... At any rate, I'll have to draw the rust off my artistic skills. Probably sketch lots and lots of period photographs and models. Of course, I'll be sure to post everything I complete here, probably in this thread. Might need help with the eventual research, too. It'll just take forever and a day!

Being in these forums pleases me greatly. I'm actually a first-generation Chinese immigrant, so I don't exactly have any familial ties to the Civil War. I also don't know many people--anyone, really--who's as interested in the subject as me. Too shy in person, I guess. So, having this message board is a wonderful boon.

I can try not to lurk so much. My problem is that I don't feel I have anything to add to the discussions here. You guys are all so knowledgeable already! And my opinions are not anything groundbreaking. Certainly, if something gets my dander up, I won't hesitate to pile in.

Thanks again!

larry_cockerham · #5 10-04-2007, 02:21 PM

As for drawing, the answer is simply practice, practice, practice and practice some more. The civil war becomes an acquired taste. You appear to be well along that road as well.

Yeade · #6 10-04-2007, 02:44 PM

I fully intend to practice--and then practice some more--my drawing. Unfortunately, Real Life tends to get in the way of that resolution. At any rate, I'd planned to start a SGA project that's been on the back burner for ages first, so the ACW stuff, which needs far more preparation, will have to wait. The Civil War has long been an acquired taste of mine, lol.

ewc · #7 10-04-2007, 05:16 PM

Yeade- I don't know anything about drawing, but I know what I like- and I very much like your drawing. Welcome, and I hope you can continue with your art. regards, ed c

cash · #8 10-04-2007, 11:50 PM

Welcome to the board, Yeade. Somehow I don't see Rodney McKay at Little Roundtop.

Maybe Sheppard would fit in, but Ronin and Teyla? Nah.

I guess I could see Weir in a Clara Barton-type role.

Now once Carter joins the team, all bets are off.

Regards,
Cash

Yeade · #9 10-05-2007, 10:35 AM

Thanks, ewc! It's great to be here! And I'll definitely keep drawing!

cash, Rodney McKay at Little Round Top?

In my preliminary brainstorming, I cast McKay as a civilian railroad contractor. Sheppard, I think, fits well in the Army of the Tennessee, though I'm still vacillating on which branch of the service he's in, infantry or cavalry. White, male scientists can work under McKay as engineers or whatnot (Zelenka!). White, male military personnel are, of course, welcome (Lorne!). White women I figure can go to the hospitals or the U.S. Sanitary Commission, along with Beckett and his medical team.

The real difficulty is placing Teyla, Ronon, Ford, Bates, etc. Ronon's background as a Runner can be adapted to that of a fugitive slave, I suppose. Ford and Bates were both in the Atlantis military, so perhaps spots in a colored regiment? Will have to research that one because the only colored troops that come to mind were stationed in the East. Telya... Well, her dignified bearing and lovely skin tone makes me inclined to give her the role of plantation house servant.

SG-1 folks can stay in Virginia!

As for the when, I'm thinking early September through late October 1864. That would set the comic after the fall of Atlanta. I have Allatoona and the sharp fight for the railroad pass there for a climax. The operations along Sherman's supply line are numerous and vague enough for me to incorporate the SGA characters. With Hood, Wheeler, Sherman and his army group all in the vicinity, there's opportunity for lots of fun cameos. My only regret is that I can't somehow sneak Forrest in. He was off in Tennessee or Mississippi or something, as I understand it.

cash · #10 10-05-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeade

Sheppard, I think, fits well in the Army of the Tennessee, though I'm still vacillating on which branch of the service he's in, infantry or cavalry.

It would be "arm," not "branch," and I'm thinking cavalry. I'm thinking he would have loved Grierson's Raid, but I don't think he would have liked being under Kilpatrick later in the war. Sheppard seems perfect for Buford's command in the east.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeade

SG-1 folks can stay in Virginia!

Well, you're gonna have a problem when Carter takes over Atlantis after Weir departs, then.

Landry has some Grant-like attributes, but O'Neil would be a quandry. Maybe as Sherman with his quirky sense of humor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeade

As for the when, I'm thinking early September through late October 1864. That would set the comic after the fall of Atlanta. I have Allatoona and the sharp fight for the railroad pass there for a climax. The operations along Sherman's supply line are numerous and vague enough for me to incorporate the SGA characters. With Hood, Wheeler, Sherman and his army group all in the vicinity, there's opportunity for lots of fun cameos. My only regret is that I can't somehow sneak Forrest in. He was off in Tennessee or Mississippi or something, as I understand it.

So are you casting the Wraith as confederates? Or maybe the Genii? Maybe you can have Kolya as Forrest. LOL

Regards,
Cash