Neander Nod

This is Neander Nod - he has a bone to pick with someone. Who, or what has wronged him? That is exactly the mystery I want to explore in future artworks with this character.

Arguably my first specific Neandertal character, this specimen I've dubbed Nod is a hunter on a mission. What that mission is exactly, is a story for another time.

But what's his story? Well, so far I have this:
Nod is one of the last Neandertals, eking out a living somewhere in western Europe (modern France most likely). He has traversed many lands in search for better game, yet has not found much of his kind along the way. Something (or someone) attack or perhaps even wrongs him, and so Nod must do what's necessary to survive.

Speaking of stories, this illustration was a journey from start to finish. The initial sketch went through multiple reworks until I was satisfied with the character. Originally, this was just a practice sketch for lighting and other effects. However, in that process I kept thinking about that look on his face and wondering what might have caused it.
Eventually, I got to the version with the orange sky (old version in the images) and didn't quite like it. I achieved my goal of practicing with that kind of lighting, but it felt incomplete. So I kept fiddling with the background until it took on its final form. The last touch was the pool of blood behind the character. And with that both Nod and his story came to life.

Now, where is the inspiration for this, you might ask. Well, the initial idea is similar to that of my other Neandertal illustrations - namely the attempt to depict them is a much more human light, in tune with the most up-to-date information about them, both from speculative hypothesis and concrete archaeological evidence.
One specific piece of evidence in this illustration is the wooden spear that our Nod is holding - off camera, as it were. Now, for a long time paleontologists have argued whether or not Neandertals used spears at all. Findings in Germany, as well as other parts of Europe have proven that they indeed used thrusting spears.

I will no doubt continue Nod's story in the future. For now, though, I hope you will enjoy this character and illustration.

Until the next one, take care =)