Skin issue...

[Sidistyk]

ok...she lookks like she's been playing in dirt...where am I going wrong?

[Sidistyk]

this is the alternative, but I feel its too light...

[Idiot Apathy]

Mm, I think your dilemma stems from a shallow value range and working with a white background. It's pretty hard to get anything brighter than white...

I might put a light gray layer over this set to multiply and then increase the contrast in your values - redo the skin perhaps. And the dirt thing, probably has to do with the brush or the paper? - it's a bit gritty looking

[Sidistyk]

I'm using a gouache right now, what are some good brushes for Corel IX that will make rendering flesh a little more managable?

[Idiot Apathy]

Dunno, I used custom brushes when I used painter. But technically speaking you should be able to render convincing flesh with any brush - even a mop.

Find something that works for you, you'll need to do some experimentation.

[Sidistyk]

Thats how I feel...Thanks...

[Sidistyk]

A little better yet I'm still not happy...same brush..

[Idiot Apathy]

Keep going, give me some contrast - what values should each shape be in order to be believable?

Look to be honest I've never been a fan of undertaking 'ambitious" projects when you are trying to learn something. Focus on what you want to learn and then learn it, it's pretty hard to drive a car while talking on your cell phone, eating lunch and shaving while merging lanes and playing with the radio - so why do it with drawing and painting? You're only going to frustrate yourself if you tackle everything at once.

Perhaps focus on a smaller part, I'd much rather see you kick ass with a portion than only do ok with the whole.