surreal alien bust/ colour theory + light

[Batteram]

http://www.imagemagician.com/images/batter/killamariconcept1.jpg


http://www.imagemagician.com/images/batter/killamariconcept2red.jpg


http://www.imagemagician.com/images/batter/killamariconcept2blue.jpg

Here are three versions of an alien head I have just finished. It was a quikie as you can tell from the rushed quality of the neck. It is just another experiment with light. The first head is the original and the second head is with a red overlay and the third head has a blue overlay. I was thinking that the blue overlay looks pretty cool, but I still prefer the original. I would appreciate some input as to whether I should just forget the overlays and just stick with the original or vice versa.
Thanks for any crits, comments, etc.

oh yeah, the reason why I mentioned in the subject line that is was surreal is because I made it so you can see an alien head and sort of a goat/horse skull in this bust. Look closely at the head and if you stare hard enough you will make out an animal skull combined with the alien head... ;)

[amphex]

Damn, awesome work man =)
The lighting looks perfect!
Im not sure what your talking about with the surreal thing, I didnt see that =P

[Batteram]

Thanks amphex. I am still practising with the lighting and hope to get better with experience and practice. I feel lighting is one of the heardest things to consider when doing a concept, artwork, etc. From Jasons constructive crits, it has taught me that lighting can be one of those elements that either makes your painting look 'good' or 'awesome'.
You can't see the surreal skull huh? Ok, here is the same pic and I erased the parts of the alien that weren't part of the skull. I know it seems kinda vague but I only thought about it when I was drawing the aliens mouth and chin.
Hope you see it now! :)

http://www.imagemagician.com/images/batter/killamariconcept1erased.jpg

[amphex]

Ah-ha, I see it now =)
Yah, i wonder where Mr. Manley has gone off to..havent seen him in a while.
I wasnt around for the good ole days of him giving his amazing critiques =\

[I.was.ink]

hey u know what. I actually like the last pic u put up. getting rid of the sides actually helps it out a lot. I'd go with the 4th pic. goof job

[WerxOne]

i think your original is the best of the three. the blue is too cool a color, it contrasts the red so much, the light seems to work better with green. i can better imagine an environment
where your original color would evolve.

very nice though, good detail specialy for quick work