A Hidden Gate

[Agpaoa]

I finished this the other day. I'm working from a lot of reference right now just for pure practice, but I'm also trying to improve my final polish and actually produce more finished works. Translation: I'm transforming normal places into not-so-normal places. This is a hidden gate to an underground kingdom (which happens to be accessed between my compost pile and the fence).

I'm definately looking for crits on this. I'm way too satisfied with it, and complacency is a sign of danger.

http://www3.telus.net/agpaoa/portfolio/digital/2003/hidden_gate.JPG

[Fozzybar]

Looks finished and unfinished at the same time...

If you were going for a blur effect on the foreground, you should push it more, since it's neither really blurred nor sharp as the rest...

Also you could add some of the creature's blue color in the rest...it would help the image become more tight (don't know how to describe it)

[cucaracha]

amazing! the leafes are looking like a photo and that little guy looks so uhm spatially (?.. dictionary).

as fozzybar said, the fence and the roots are looking unfinished. I'm sure you'll be able to fix it!
cu

[Agpaoa]

Fozzy: Good suggestions. I vaguely realized that the out of focus areas were looking more unfinished than blurred; just needed to hear someone else say it (it's tough getting that blurred effect without actually using a blur filter effect). I also forgot about the reflectiveness of the wet spots on the leaves... I understand what you mean by blue making things tighter.

I'm on the case.

Thanks.

[Tadao]

I really enjoy this image. Perhaps I've always been intrigued by the idea of worlds in existance other than our own. Or unrealized "microcosms" where creatures exist.

Anyhow, it is looking good. As mentioned, you should push the depth of field by adjusting the elements closer to the camera so they contrast more with the elements in the back. This can be done via focus (blur) or value/hue to create some more contrast b/t the foreground and background. I'd suggest adjusting the valus of the leaves and grass closer to the camera so they are not as saturated. This will help push the viewers eye past that and create more depth. You can also apply this to the plank boards.

The wood plank on the left is a bit awkward since the multi colored grain curves down. Perhaps it is just a perspective problem.

Also, I agree with the suggestion of incorporating the hue of the creature somewhere else in the painting. Technically, it would be reflected light bouncing off him and on to the other elements, but this will add some cohesiveness and better unify the elements.

Great work. Made me smile.

Cheers.

Tadao