How do I improve this piece?

[okaimii]

Alright, I'm entering this piece in a contest here on the Bell Tree but before I do that, I need some critique on it first. is that even ok
I'm having a bit of trouble coloring the skin (like what colors, etc) and I'm not too sure how to color the hair (if I should). I refuse to proceed farther so I won't mess it up. Keep in mind that I know some things need obvious fixing (like erasing the color from the eyes and inside the mouth). Other than that...

Any critique is welcome!

Here is the link since TBT likes to reduce the quality of pictures: https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...6531_912908812118675_152085360283566188_o.jpg

 

[Amissapanda]

I think you're on a good track, as it is! Coloring and shading is something you can play with, but I find that a tutorial I read once about "warm colors" and "cool colors" that work well together was really helpful. For instance, colors that I right next to each other on the color wheel generally work well together with shading, toning, and coloring in general. I think you're already on the right track with the tan and pinkish/red shading. They blend well and they're both "warm", if that makes any sense. (I apologize if this doesn't.)

In terms of shading in general, it depends on your style, but more depth and definition in the color always helps compliment a picture, in my opinion. The tone around the eyes with the shading is already helping to bring out the shape of his face, which is very nice. Maybe a little bit of darker shading underneath the bottom lip might help to bring out the mouth, similarly, and a lighter shade like on the upper cheek bone to give it a little bit of healthy skin glow.

As far as the hair goes, play around with it! You can always use different layers to try out different colors and see what might compliment the picture or look good, in your eyes. The gray-ish color opens up many options for shading with colors, since it's a very neutral color, itself. (Though you can always use darker and lighter grays if you'd like to go that way, as well.)

I hope that some part of this helps! I think the best thing that you can do is experiment and try different things until you find something that you really like the look/result of. Art is such a subjective thing with style and coloring that there's no solid way to give critique regarding it.

 

[okaimii]

I think you're on a good track, as it is! Coloring and shading is something you can play with, but I find that a tutorial I read once about "warm colors" and "cool colors" that work well together was really helpful. For instance, colors that I right next to each other on the color wheel generally work well together with shading, toning, and coloring in general. I think you're already on the right track with the tan and pinkish/red shading. They blend well and they're both "warm", if that makes any sense. (I apologize if this doesn't.)

In terms of shading in general, it depends on your style, but more depth and definition in the color always helps compliment a picture, in my opinion. The tone around the eyes with the shading is already helping to bring out the shape of his face, which is very nice. Maybe a little bit of darker shading underneath the bottom lip might help to bring out the mouth, similarly, and a lighter shade like on the upper cheek bone to give it a little bit of healthy skin glow.

As far as the hair goes, play around with it! You can always use different layers to try out different colors and see what might compliment the picture or look good, in your eyes. The gray-ish color opens up many options for shading with colors, since it's a very neutral color, itself. (Though you can always use darker and lighter grays if you'd like to go that way, as well.)

I hope that some part of this helps! I think the best thing that you can do is experiment and try different things until you find something that you really like the look/result of. Art is such a subjective thing with style and coloring that there's no solid way to give critique regarding it.

Thanks so much for the critique! It helps a lot.

 

[Hyoshido]

I don't mean to be that guy, but everything is looking spot on right there, only thing I could really mention is just a question.

Will the left horn (Artist's right) be sticking out like that in the final piece? Or would some of it be covered by hair so it looks like it's on the other side of his head, sorry if it sounds a little confusing, otherwise I really like what I see but hopefully a professional artist would be able to help you further.

I need some critique on it first. is that even ok

It's really the choice of being able to handle the crits in general, otherwise don't be afraid to ask for it because there's plenty of users who'll be able to give it.

 

[okaimii]

I don't mean to be that guy, but everything is looking spot on right there, only thing I could really mention is just a question.

Will the left horn (Artist's right) be sticking out like that in the final piece? Or would some of it be covered by hair so it looks like it's on the other side of his head, sorry if it sounds a little confusing, otherwise I really like what I see but hopefully a professional artist would be able to help you further.


It's really the choice of being able to handle the crits in general, otherwise don't be afraid to ask for it because there's plenty of users who'll be able to give it.

You mean how the horn is cropped off by the canvas size?

 

[Hyoshido]

You mean how the horn is cropped off by the canvas size?

Naw naw, I noticed it was cropped, it might just be my eyes but looking at the pose, I feel like the the artists right horn should placed behind that tiny patch of hair, the way it is now doesn't really seem like it's on the other side of his head.

I guess it's more of a suggestion really that I think about it?

 

[okaimii]

Naw naw, I noticed it was cropped, it might just be my eyes but looking at the pose, I feel like the the artists right horn should placed behind that tiny patch of hair, the way it is now doesn't really seem like it's on the other side of his head.

I guess it's more of a suggestion really that I think about it?

Oh, that! So I guess I'll move it farther back. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Hyoshido]

Oh, that! So I guess I'll move it farther back. Thanks for the suggestion!

Probably just carrying on where the hair goes down would be easier, I think moving it just to the side would make it look bigger than it should be.

Something like this, obviously not poorly done like I did x)

 

[okaimii]

Probably just carrying on where the hair goes down would be easier, I think moving it just to the side would make it look bigger than it should be.

Something like this, obviously not poorly done like I did x)

Ah, that helps a lot actually. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks again!

 

[Hyoshido]

No worries, I bet you'll do really well in the contest *^*