First Post of comic concept art WIP

[Foxglove]

Hi all!
I've been mostly lurking for the past few weeks, and I'd really love some C&C on a piece I'm working on right now, a random mood piece for a comic me and my roomate are working on.
It's Photoshop with a little painter, Solon still needs his arm holding the sword, and he'll be grabbing reins in his left hand when they get put in.
I've been flat out amazed at the work I've seen on here since I've started visiting and I hope ya'll will give me some feedback.
http://www.rsad.edu/~lsmith1/solonprydand%20auric.jpg

[Foxglove]

Umm...bump for comments please?
Also worked it up a bit more, would love C&C!

[foster]

Hi foxglove,

I am having a hard time making out what is going on. I think the problem is that your values are very close in range, and your colors are local.

Take this back into PhotoShop or painter and get rid of allot of the color saturation. Then concentrate on the values that help describe the volume and lighting direction. You need to think in value right now and not in color. This simplification will help you see patterns and rhythms in the values that help create interest. Once you have this monochromatic under painting done then start to add color but be careful to notice the value of the color. This will help in educating you on color and value later on so that you will not have to do the monochromatic under painting (i still do)!

Good luck.

Jon