Digital WIP, crits and help needed

[Alex K.]

Right now I'm working on a portfolio, and I'm still at the part where I make all the artwork.
I've been working on this thing for a few hours, and now I'm stuck. It doesn't look right or portfolio-worthy, but I have no idea how to finish it.

http://alexkorol.home.comcast.net/images/high_res/Mudpuppy.JPG

I would really appreciate some crits and advice, particularly on how to handle the lighting, shading and colors.

[J.Mac]

Alex k. - if i was doing a piece like this i would dig up as much references as possible with under water lighting effects and such.

(criticism)
-Good idea, nice concept but isn't to clear "imo"
-The layout could be more dynamic with placement of your elements.
-to me it seems that this is really deep waters, so if it is far down i think there wouldn't be much plant life if any. also the creature i am confused to what it is doing.

i hope these words don't discourage you, they are just some things for you to think about. it is a good piece and it could shape out to be a great piece if you just keep at it. :D

-Jesse

[Joatley]

I like the theme here. Dark, secretive, and weightless.

Anyways, here's some ideas to improve it.

-the glowing 'onions', they don't need such defined linework. soften it up some and make the highlights overlap the lines in a few spots.

-the creature is illuminated generously, but the 'seabed' is not. lighten up the floor and maybe cast a shadow to the left.

otherwise, good job!

[Alex K.]

Thanks for the crits, J.Mac and Joatley!
I dug up a reference for the creatureoxalotl (http://www.milov.nl/files/020711_zoo/axolotl.jpg) and found some deep see pics (All with artificial lighting of course, but I'll improvise), and I will take another stab at this drawing by starting from scratch.