Fallen and... Alone?

[Fhiserya]

An illustration based on the possible death of one of my RPG characters.

About the picture: I wanted the picture to be dramatic without making it truly epic. I also didn't want her to dwell gloriously in light, Thusly, I wanted to deliver a feeling that she was dying in shade and was to be forgotten. Critiques are welcome - and quick paintovers would be most welcome to demonstrate complex changes.

Selft-crits and pondering thoughts as I post this:
- I'm a beginner with environments, and perspective values in general. Could the forest radiate more atmosphere in some way? Studying more reference photos might be in order.
- Maybe the blood on the ground near her arm has to be made more evident, somehow.
- Perhaps add in another character near her, to give the picture more story? ( http://fhiserya.net/images/fallen_captain_2.jpg The character could be turned into a humanoid being that is quietly observing her though, to save the feeling of serenity. These creatures aren't probably very unique concept-wise. )
I'll start detailing the picture more (grass, bark textures etc.) once I've got some input here. :)

[Green-fire]

LOVE IT
No Critisism whatsoever
Nice job
i think it looks better without color than it would with color

[KamiDaHobo]

This is actually my first comment on ConceptArt, and the reason is because of how good I think this is.

From a technical standpoint, I enjoy the rendering, and the lighting is consistent. I may highlight the trees a bit more, but that would be personal preference, not a requirement by any means.

I really wanted to comment, because there's a great ambient feel that comes from this piece, and it makes me somewhat sad. It's great stuff to be sure, and this piece in particular shows that even though technical execution is important, if the piece emotes, if it actually shows something, it's worth the price of admission.

[Galione]

that's damn good keep it up try adding a sephia tone to it or a more pale pastel type overlay to it see what happens

[Coleb]

Quite lovely.

Your questions. To me there´s a little too much light to the right of her figure and it´s oddly diffused and distracting. The same with the backlighting on the surrounding trees. I assume that will get better when you detail and texture.

I don´t think another figure is necessary. She is interesting enough and intricately rendered to carry the illustration. Very Pre-rafaelite.

I didn´t notice blood at all. Even after I looked, it was hard to find.

In general I would recommend sharpening the contrasts and pushing the values to create emphasis where you want it. Could her hair have the tiniest highlight over the left side of her head? A reflected highlight on the rock behind her head and deeper cast shadows?

And what is that skull-on-a-stick?

[Fhiserya]

Thanks for letting me steal your first comment, KamiDa! I felt it encouraging. I'll see if I can highlight the trees a little without making them too distracting.

Thanks for the input, Coleb! I've also come to the conclusion not to include another character. Your points about the shadow & light values are valid, I'll take them into into consideration when I'm going to detail this. :)

I'll post a link to the finished version when it's done. Thanks for commenting, Green-fire and Galione!

Edit: And about the skull-on-a-stick - I put it there to give the picture more story, to arouse a question or two: Who planted it? Why is it there? Was the person who killed her a savage? Did the killer honour the fallen enemy this way? Or is it a mark of victory, a sign for those who might find her? I don't have a definite story for it of my own, so it's free for speculation.

[ExoSteNce]

Astounding work - and i like the concept in general of the art - how she is assentialy - alone, as you said. The lighting is well done, but one thin as you already noted - i didnt see the blood till after you kinda pointed it out :p

[saudimidget]

dude that if freaking sweet. i love how you got the light to come down through the trees and the over all feel of the piece is good.

[ExoSteNce]

Oh and another thing - as Saud said, the theme is awesome, i mean.. even though it is a person who has been shot.. its seems Tranquil.. calm, because of the lightning, i mean, good job.

[Fhiserya]

I think I'm running out of energy with this piece here, and want to move onto new stuff, so I'm going to call it finished. :) Thanks for the feedback, I think the character gains more focus now.

http://fhiserya.net/images/fallen_and_alone.jpg

[dkounios]

wow...love this piece....the light you have coming through the trees is amazing, and I love the subtle little creatures you surrounded the main character with. great atmosphere!