Noob ready to try a digital painting (any suggestions? crits?)

[Ostrander]

Hello everyone! As you might have noticed I'm new to these forums and new to creating digital art. I am posting this to show you all my progress and hopefully to gain some helpful advice along the way. I'm not sure how long this will take me because I've never tried a fully digital painting before so please bare with me. A bit about me- I'm sort of a professional illustrator (quasi-illustrator? the diet coke of illustrator?) having not really gone completely full time as far as workload, I do have a B.F.A from the Columbus College of Art and Design tho! Hope that counts for a few points :) But I plan on trying to "Break in" all the way this time around. Hopefully. Anywho...not trying to bore you all, here is my sketch and thanks for reading :)
Glen
http://members.cox.net/gloklund/big%20game.jpg

[AmadorL]

CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU GOT COOK'N
________
Suzuki DR800S (http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Suzuki_DR800S)

[Fozzybar]

Hi Gloklund!

I visited oyur site and just wanted to say, that the purple painting with this strange tentacle-creatures looking over someones shoulder (maybe you?) looks awesome...can you post a larger version?

[Oblio]

very nice start.
i would love to see it in color.
Post some more and ask when you're in trouble.
Welcome to conceptart.

Oblio

[leckronium]

cant wait to see updates!

[leckronium]

overall its lookin like a good start. i wanted to point out before you got to far into the painting that the creatures right arm looks a little stubby and the position and the expression of the grabbing hand is a little dull. vary the finger positions a little and that should help.

[Ostrander]

Thanks Leckronium!
I'll try and take care of that.

[Fozzybar]

I already replied to your pm...

But I'll say it here in public again :D

This is really great...i like pictures, where i can discover some funny details...and this one has got some of them! Mouths looking like eyes, deep sea likely creatures, the artist himself (i guess) etc...

And regarding that this is done traditionally raises the respect to your work!

[Ostrander]

Thanks Fozzy!
This pic was actually inspired by a short story by H.P. Lovecraft called From Beyond. And yep that was me:D

[MindCandyMan]

This is fantastic...I love it...and wow in gouache too...excellent work.

[Ostrander]

Thanks for the kind words MCM :)

[MindCandyMan]

I am really amazed at the level of control you maintained with this painting...any secrets you can impart on how to work with gouache?

[kosherchai]

REALLY NICE WORK! As a detailed sketch, I can see you have a strong sense for anatomy, composition and a good taste for theatricality. Both character's pose is very believable and I see you have a strong eye for detail.

If I were to improve on this sketch before you go digital on it, I would make the creature's double-blade claw (and the arm portion it is attached to) more attractive. The double-blade is so strong of a element that it needs some design attention, the same attention you've already given to the cool hair and creating good anatomy.

I'd use reference if I'd have to. Useful references can include armors from medieval europe/japan/china, or if you like more modern look, check out solider uniforms from more modern era. Overall, exciting work.