My take on a Norse Figure

[senorwong]

Hi everyone,

I am just learning Corel Painter and I wanted to share my first painting: my take on the Norse God, Odin. He is real curious, almost too nosy - hence the reason I made him a child-like figure. He is viewing the going-ons of the world through the collected leaves (albeit I do admit they look more like feathers) of the world tree, Yggdrasil and has one of his ravens perched on his shoulder telling him what gossip he has collected while his other raven is out and about gathering more juicy tidbits.

I know I have a ways to go with learning about painting better light sources and skin tones, but I wanted to see if I could get feedback from you guys to see what else I need to improve on.

http://rolandwong.com/images/odin.jpg

[Ian Mack]

Everything seems very pale and washed out...I'd like to see you decidw if that glowing ball is giving a warm or cool light. As I'm sure you know, if the bal is cool, the the shadow side should be a bit warmer (red-black). and the front sohuld be cool (blue-biege).

All in all, I really like the concept although I think you could work out the motion of the leaves a buit more. They look like they are flying whereas I guess I would think leaves fall casually.

[Idiot Apathy]

Just a quick edit to give you some things to think about, PS's editing tools are your best friend :)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3225/odinja9.jpg

Also consider softening some edges, show the roundness of his exterior of his chin a bit more?

[blakboks]

Hi there,
I really don't at all get the sense that this child is Norse--he actually looks more Asian. I know it's cliche and all, but maybe he should have blonde hair (or at least lighter hair), and maybe not quite so round a face (maybe not, though, maybe the blonde hair will be enough).

It also looks as though he's squatting--I don't know if you'd intended him to be doing that or to be sitting down with his feet pulled tight to his bottom. If you did intend for him to be sitting, I'm no expert in anatomy and perspective, but I think we'd be able to see his butt behind his feet/ankles.

Well, hopefully I'm not off-base on these suggestions and was able to stay constructive.
Good Luck,
Chris

[novenus]

Odin is also one-eyed...!

And the light source's brightness and the shadow cast on his clothes, face, skin, do not match up. The leaves and their pattern are very static and uniform.

I also thought that Odin had TWO ravens, Hugin and Munin, with him always. ;)

[Slash]

I echo the sentiment that he looks more asian than norse. Also, as mentioned, he gave up one eye to drink out of the well of wisdom. I cant really say that the allfather as a child looks appropriate. The chair looks way too modern to be norse, but hey, i guess gods too can follow the times eh? :D