can't pull this out of being just half done

[zeitgeist]

...and im stuck.


I'm not looking to make this picture life-like at all... but when i look at it.... it just has that not-even-close-to-being-done feel. I've also been staring at it for so long... that my eyes can't pin-point the mistakes.

ive been using the thick and thin ink pen (using painter x) for most of it... but it's like i can't find the brush that makes the best complimentary strokes.

I don't know...

help... :[

[Elwell]

First of all, flop it. He's got a Gumby head that you're not seeing.
Secondly, the values in the face don't relate to actual planes and a light source.

[zeitgeist]

Elwell, Thanks man... the critique is much appreciated
gumby head indeed!
and I agree with the light source... hopefully after work I'll be able to salvage this...

[Infinit]

get some reference
just sit in front of your mirror and draw yourself

scann (of take a photo if you have no scanner, but watch out to get a 90° angle) and paint over it in PS on a seperate layer at 50% opacity with flat colours
then merge the layers and continue to get some coloured shadows into it ...

[Jason Rainville]

Sorry for the no-crit, but would you mind telling me how you made the streaky brush you're using? I might want to play around with it later...

[zeitgeist]

thanks infinit... ya... a lot of what im having trouble with is deep seeded anatomy errors. also that exercize sounds really useful!

Rhineville: I used the Thick n Thin Pen that comes packaged with Painter X. i believe the "streaky" effect is caused by making light strokes with my stylus. The lighter the strokes the more transparent it is... and the better it blends with the underlaying colors. hope that helps.

looking at this picture with fresh eyes... I think I'd gain more from just starting from scratch.

thanks again guys :)

[Jason Rainville]

Ahhh figures. I just have PS. Though this coming semester I get to play with painter in my digi-illustration course. There's no fine arts influence though (It's a graphic design course) so it probably won't be as informative as I'd like...

anyways, for spamming your thread I'll look out for you update and try to help next time.