More convincing render

[meat]

Meat, thank you so much! I'm afraid the style (without black contour) is established already, so I'll look for a workaround.

On the other side, I'm very curious about how you've determined that some places of shell need more black and dark for them ("strong contrasts along the edges where faces meet at different angle"). Did you have to look at some references to realize that, or that is intrinsic knowledge that has come with experience, so you don't have to look anywhere and just know that.

Part of the knowledge is from past plein air and animal painting experience that taught me to use contrast and where it could be darker but still make sense. Part of that is from reading and learning from others, which confirmed and put to clear words how and why contrast works. And last but not least, I quickly looked at examples of matte metal before giving you feedback. Stuff I looked at include my desk lamp, laptop, and this door knob image from Google: http://www.dgheath.co.uk/wp-content/uplo...header.png

I'm no better most. I'm no pro either. My knowledge may be skewed, so it's important you form your own decision by testing out what I suggest. We are all learning.