first submission for your approval (or not)

[stormy]

Well this is my first submission of my own stuff (obviously). Looking around, I haven't seen a whole lot of stuff other than gaming things and mostly male oriented art (not that there's anything bad with that), so I think I might be just a wee bit outta my element. Anyway, I hope that doesn't offend too many people (or if it does...well....hmm...sorry?)

These are old, as in a couple years old, but I think I'd rather start with the old than the current, and build up to the current...

http://members.lycos.co.uk/oldstormy/away.jpg
This is a crop of the original and then below is the cg that I ended up liking a whole lot more than the original.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/oldstormy/awayprocess.jpg

[dyoung]

Hey Stormy-
Nice work I like the reflections in the pupils. very nice touch. As for offending anyone... I seriously doubt that anyone will be offended by art that is non-concept in nature. I think though that there could be more contrast int he hair, not to mention shadows from the bangs. I know it's a couple of years old but that's my two cents.
Cheers!
dyoung

[stormy]

nah. Very good advice. Shading is still one of those things that I have trouble with. If I'm drawing specifically from a reference, or have a very clear idea of a light source in my head, I'm not as worried about getting in there with the blackest of blacks. If, however, I've spent a few hours just getting something outta my head onto some paper, the thought of then going in and adding really dark stuff over what I've done is abit scary.

Add to that being lefthanded, which sounds strange. But most lefthanded people know all about the "smudge." Most of us drag our hand across the paper, and I've spent a fair amount of time trying to counter that. We'll see.

This is actually something that's recent. It's pencil, ink and watercolor. I still see how more dramatic contrasting would improve it (oh, it's a part of an emerging story). And that bunching of flowers needs to be more grounded...in the ground.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/oldstormy/sunflowers_s.jpg

[amphex]

stay away from PS filters.

[stormy]

yeah. I went through a filter phase, but it really discourages a person from actually developing a skill. There are no filters on the last image.