11-07-2014, 08:54 PM
Hmmm, well I confess I haven't researched the character, but I see a few things technique focused that you might want to look at. Feel free to ask for clarification as I will have to be brief:
1. Values. Not sure if it's my screen, but, I think your values have too much contrast in the range. Lots of high key value in the highlights, but then lots of very dark values in the shadow. Either use more blending between, or reduce the overall range and use the very light and very dark in small doses. A generic "rule" for values is out of 100 use 60:30:10 in proportion for light, mid and dark values. Doesn't matter which value range is given which proportion, but the idea is to create a sense of dynamic balance, which more even mixes don't always do.
2. Proportions. That far hand looks huge given its position.
3. Anatomy. The facial structure looks flat. The forms within them aren't really resolved well in 3D space. I think this is because there is no underlying consistency in showing how his skull would affect his features, especially visible in his chin and nose etc. I know the source material is anime, but you are painting this in a 3D format, so you need to either build in at least some structure that suits the rendering style or decide to go full anime.
4. Lighting. You said it. It is a bit confused. Simplest thing is to pick your light sources at the outset of painting and then render everything methodically with the light sources in mind. That's all.
5. Technical rendering. Nothing anyone can say in critique will help you learn "how to paint" specific things. And you shouldn't rely on crits to provide this kind of advice. The thing you should rely on most is reference and study. If you want to learn to paint metal, get 5 photos of metal and duplicate them. Same for cloth folds, hands, or budgies, cod pieces and anything under the sun you don't know yet. USE REFERENCE. Study them by painting! (not shouting in anger...just shouting for emphasis :) )
6. Never try to paint quicker. Try to paint better. Speed comes with practice.
Hopefully not too blunt for you, but one harsh kick in the pants is worth 3 cintiq's in the bush.
1. Values. Not sure if it's my screen, but, I think your values have too much contrast in the range. Lots of high key value in the highlights, but then lots of very dark values in the shadow. Either use more blending between, or reduce the overall range and use the very light and very dark in small doses. A generic "rule" for values is out of 100 use 60:30:10 in proportion for light, mid and dark values. Doesn't matter which value range is given which proportion, but the idea is to create a sense of dynamic balance, which more even mixes don't always do.
2. Proportions. That far hand looks huge given its position.
3. Anatomy. The facial structure looks flat. The forms within them aren't really resolved well in 3D space. I think this is because there is no underlying consistency in showing how his skull would affect his features, especially visible in his chin and nose etc. I know the source material is anime, but you are painting this in a 3D format, so you need to either build in at least some structure that suits the rendering style or decide to go full anime.
4. Lighting. You said it. It is a bit confused. Simplest thing is to pick your light sources at the outset of painting and then render everything methodically with the light sources in mind. That's all.
5. Technical rendering. Nothing anyone can say in critique will help you learn "how to paint" specific things. And you shouldn't rely on crits to provide this kind of advice. The thing you should rely on most is reference and study. If you want to learn to paint metal, get 5 photos of metal and duplicate them. Same for cloth folds, hands, or budgies, cod pieces and anything under the sun you don't know yet. USE REFERENCE. Study them by painting! (not shouting in anger...just shouting for emphasis :) )
6. Never try to paint quicker. Try to paint better. Speed comes with practice.
Hopefully not too blunt for you, but one harsh kick in the pants is worth 3 cintiq's in the bush.