Design Ideas from armour

I completed some quick paintings to kind of put ideas and visualizations in my head that I could take forward, for these I tried to use large brush strokes to complete the characters form in as little strokes as possible while trying to portray ideas of armour or belts and soft materials. These were in response to the more standard soldier armour, I am looking at focussing more on the character in more detailed rich armour. I have looked a little bit at a mask here as I like the idea so I will see whether I will design more or whether I think the mask can be discarded.

Armour, soldiers and commanders

The pictures I have taken span from the 16th to the 18th century, while there was change I like to use influences from all eras to design my characters. These first armour images are for the more standard soldiers, these were plain armour will very little to none engravings and embossing. I feel I could use essences of these plain armours in Guy Fawkes as he was a basic soldier in his past. However I would like to use the intricate designs on the more fancy officers and kings armours.

 

The images above are examples of simple british soldier pikemen in the 17th century, later on pikemen were pretty much removed from battle due to the developments of guns and bayonets. I like the item of soft light clothing and epecially the belts and clips around the chest.

 

Above are some more decorated armour from the dutch and english  believe, both are of a higher standard and probably worn by a captain or officer.

 

This image below shows the simple soldier armour again but will a little more protection, I like the idea of having bits of armour in essential places to free up movement of the character and a more believable sense.

The armour of the kings, princes and dukes are completely different in the sense the armour shows off wealth and social ranking. I like the patterns and decorations in the armour and I feel this will be a big design choice in the armour and clothing some of my characters wear, the clothing should represent the wealth and power. Many of the patterns use curves and spirals decorated almost like plants, usually in the middle of these is a more intricate design or image.

 

I especially like the patterns on this shoulder plates and can see this in potential designs. I think it is important to decorate the shoulders as they are often easy to see and notice.

 

The patterns are usually symmetrical so this helps with designing if I choose to use patterned armour.

 

This helmet below grabs me upon first glace due to its difference of patterns and design, perhaps it isn’t the most helpful helmet armour wise due to its weak points but it looks great.

Royal Armouries Pictures

Today I went to the armouries to help get some inspiration and historical accuracy by looking at the materials, clothing and armour used in the 17th century. I also took lots of pictures from the 15th 16th and 18th century that may perhaps influence designs or in the case of the 18th century items, have Guy Fawkes using experimental weaponry, items that are in reach of the era but not quite there.

Below are all the images taken, I will split these into various posts with certain items I felt have especially good use for reference.

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