January Contest WIP critique the heck out of it please

[ArtofAleksey]

So i did 2 versions the only difference is the cave area.

[jdubz]

I think the first one is a bit stronger because it feels like it removes the unnecessary space on the right side.

[ArtofAleksey]

@jdubz yeah I felt like it was too constricted

I also think maybe i need to raise the ground level a bit, it looks too close to the edge. And perhaps the dino head.

[ArtofAleksey]

Ok i think i figured out the values and the light source. I’m going to have to do some research to figure out the lighting for ice walls. I’m also going to do a more refined version of the interior comp to see if i like it more.

[chrisaakins]

@Aleksey THe tracks are getting lost a little bit. They should be more of a "star" in your production since that is the prompt and they are being downplayed by the dino. The suspense and drama I think you want to create might be getting lost as well. Maybe if you did a more vertical pitch and really let the tracks lead up to the cave and have a really good silhouette of the fellow looking at them, I think you will get more of the drama and suspense.

Also, why would the tracks appear white in the cave? Are they glowing?

[ArtofAleksey]

@chrisaakins yeah these are good points. I actually decided to go with my previous comp decision because i realized i was way more into it than this one. The foot prints in the cave were going to be melted snow, so water prints.

I decided to go with this comp instead: i also really wanted to draws a birb because i had an idea for this character, but also really like birbs.

[ArtofAleksey]

Ok i got rid of the bird because it wasnt helping create a story really in any way. But im liking where this is going. Does the tip of the tail feel too close?

[Coley]

@Aleksey this looks fantastic. Re the tip of the tail, it might feel a little close, maybe have it tilted more away and/or smaller?
I think this is going to be great!

[ArtofAleksey]

@Coley ok cool thank you thank you

Everyones been super helpful im very excited about this piece

[ArtofAleksey]

Line work so far. I’m going to try and add texture using color and light rather than line

[KaraDaniel]

Love it! Can't wait to see it in color!

[ArtofAleksey]

@KaraDaniel thanks! colors gonna be a struggle but I think my method of stealing color palettes has been successful so far.

[ArtofAleksey]

Ok after great turmoil i think I finally found local colors that i like.

[aska]

@Aleksey love the composition and colors!

[demotlj]

@Aleksey This is looking so good!

[Coley]

Looking so awesome. Love the colors and the shapes/composition.
How does one go about stealing color palettes? Eyedropper tool?

[ArtofAleksey]

Thanks y’all
@Coley and ya import a picture into the app you’re using then eye dropper tool
I did tweak it some to my liking

[Coley]

@Aleksey very cool. Great way to learn. Maybe I'll steal from you

[ArtofAleksey]

@Coley do it

[ArtofAleksey]

Also i saw John Hendrix’s piece at the Society of Illustrators 62nd annual exhibition and i liked how he did the snow Bear footprints in his piece so i tried to copy the technique he used for my lizard creature.
I think im done, any final thoughts?