Children's Book Help...

[dyoung]

Hey all,

I'm working on this piece for a contest and I just don't know if it's finished or not. I'm having the most difficulty deciding on the background. The idea is basically that this little girl is excited about this little candy vendor. She's supposed to be pressed up against the glass hoping to get a better view of all the candy. What are your thoughts on this?

GUIDELINES......
CAPTURE IN YOUR ILLUSTRATION A CHILD'S WONDER AND EXCITEMENT AT THE COUNTY FAIR, ZOO OR CIRCUS. IT CAN BE OF ONE EVENT OR ENCOUNTER, OR THE ENTIRE ENJOYMENT OF THE FAIR, ZOO OR CIRCUS.... NO SCARY CLOWNS. lol

http://www.dmfy.com/images/SOCBILLContest.jpg

Thanks in advance!
dyoung
www.dmfy.com

[Chris Beatrice]

It's always hard to comment without knowing exactly what you're trying to do, but I'll give it a shot. First, this is a nice piece. As far as it's being "done", sure, it's good enough to go.

But there's always room for improvement, so here are some things to think about.

1) Composition - the main figure is left of center, which is a very weak position. Maybe flip the image, putting her just right of center, which is a very strong position (obviously re-flip the "OPEN" sign).

2) The gumballs in the foreground are a little more realistic in style, and more 3-dimensional than the rest of the piece.

3) The candy items in the foreground are a little disconnected from the rest of the piece. This is mostly caused by the fact that you can't see where they're sitting on the table (they just kind of run off the screen).

Hope it helps. Good luck in the contest.

-Chris

[dyoung]

hey chris,

thanks alot for the help... I see what you mean about the gum balls and the candy. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Cheers!:chug:
dyoung

[mrbo18]

I agree with the comments Chris made, but also you might try to lighten up the backround a little. It might mess up your values but it would be worth taking a look at. Also if that doesn't work out you might be able to make the backround a nighttime shot, add some hazy lights on the ferris wheel etc. Either one of those sudgestions might not work out with the rest of the piece, but it's something to take a look at. I'd be interested to see how they'd work. Hope that helps you in some way.

[dyoung]

mrbo18-

thanks for the comments... I had previously thought of adding lights in the background, but kinda wussed out I guess. I'll try it and see what happens :) Thanks a ton!

dyoung