Fear my inadequacy!! (Updated)

[Echarin]

Behold my non-skill at Photshop painting!

http://www.boomspeed.com/echarin/Greatcavern_test_web.jpg


Yeah, I really need some advice with this.

[nikia]

It helps a lot if you can tell us what area you need help with. Also some idea of what you are trying to achieve.:) Is this an ice cave, or earth and stone?

[Echarin]

Originally posted by nikia
It helps a lot if you can tell us what area you need help with. Also some idea of what you are trying to achieve.:) Is this an ice cave, or earth and stone?

Just basically what should I improve in the picture.
It's a stone cave. Sort of how I'd figure the Underdark (of the Forgotten Realms) to look like. Or at least I was trying to get my ideas of the place across in the picture. And those houses in the back might be part of a Drow city, if it weren't for the bright lights.

[nikia]

Ok, that helps.:) So a stone cave, you'll need to have jagged edges of rocks sticking out of the cave walls, and you could even have roots from trees above hanging down from the ceiling and walls. Dirt and rocks on the floor. Some buried in the dirt, some just laying on top. You'd have maybe some cracks in the walls and floor also. You could have stains on the walls where water has seeped in or even water pooling on the floor. If you want to make a city, I'd suggest making the cave openings larger to fit more buildings in. If you don't like the colors of the lights, you could use a purple or green glow instead. Oh, and your stone walls don't have to be black and grey, you could use varying shades of brown and yellow instead. Or use them as well as the black and grey. Hope this helps?

[Method]

My adive would be to grab a pack of soda, some snacks then set down for a whole day( or atleast a few hours) and work on this cave. Search google for some cave references, and possible painting tutorials and then pour yourself into it. Working hard is one of the only ways your going to get better. :)
Good luck.

[Echarin]

I've put more work into the picture.
Improved lighting and shadows and detailed the structure of the cavern further. The back of the cavern, where the houses are, has been darkened, making it seem a bit more distant than before.

http://www.boomspeed.com/echarin/Greatcavern_test_web2.jpg

[dagreengo]

I'd say "I would make the shadows more intense" if I didn't fear the color black in any attempt at painting I do. But if you think about it ... Most don't go into the underdark for a reason ... it's really dark and frightening. And as for 'drow city' ... that would be a bighuge challenge, the Drow architecture in BG2 is so incredibly detailed. Could be a Duegar encampment ...


... I love Baldurs Gate.

[Echarin]

Originally posted by dagreengo
And as for 'drow city' ... that would be a bighuge challenge, the Drow architecture in BG2 is so incredibly detailed. Could be a Duegar encampment ...


... I love Baldurs Gate.

I wasn't really trying for the look of a Drow city. This painting was just inspired by my reading of the Dark Elf Trilogy. I'm just about to start reading the 3rd book.

OT: I'm getting Baldur's Gate for christmas. Can't wait.
I had been hoping to be a double-scimitar wielding drow, but found out earlier today that a weapon in each hand isn't available in BG1.
Is it possible to be a drow in BG1?

[Echarin]

I think I´ve managed to improve it some.

http://www.boomspeed.com/echarin/Greatcavern_test_web4.jpg

Anyone willing to tell me how I might pull that rocky pillar on the left out so that it's more visible against the background?