@nkdrawings thank you, I think I'm going to be crawling along with all this into the new year

@Darian The first one has more expression like almost surprised. I like it.

@12before34 Uhmmm okay, here's an example. Last year I made this illustration of a haunted library. I started with a freehand quick sketch. I usually have an idea how I want it to look so I do this first, because it's very important to understand that you have to decide where you place your horizon and vanishing points depending on what angle YOU want. Not placing random points then being a slave to them to the end! That's why I use my freehand sketch to help me determine where to place my horizon and points to obtain the exact angle that I want. From there, I placed my horizon line and vanishing points. I place my VP in my mind, but you can physically place yours. If you draw traditionally it will often involve taping some additional pieces of paper to your drawing to draw vanishing points outside he frame. From there, I suggest you use your vanishing points to draw some guides on your picture (then you can remove your vanishing points because you won't need them anymore with the guides to help you). The guides look like this when I'm done: From there I draw my final sketch on top with the correct perspective. It's similar to my freehand because I'm good at eyeballing perspective, but sometimes there's a more drastic difference at this stage: Final There you go, that's my complete process.

Wow, you all are amazing! Thanks SO much, for the suggestions, taking the time to find reference images, and for the redraw. I'll take it all into consideration and have another go when I get the chance (busy work week ahead). It's a little discouraging to struggle so much over one picture, but it's been a good learning experience, too. Also, just for kicks, I tried doing three thumbnails last night in all ink - about 90% black with white highlights. Everything looked great except for Gollum. Anytime I shadowed him, he just blended into the background.

To echo what @stringfellowart said, you're values are all very similar in the mid-light to light range. If you are working in Photoshop you can make a new layer on top set to color and fill it with black. This will make everything look grayscale so you can check the values then just hide the layer to see your colors. You can then adjust the saturation and darkness (ctrl-u on windows) of your other layers or a selection while the grayscale layer is on for a scary yet thrilling experience. You may not like the new color but it gives you and idea once you settle on a value. I learned that tIP here in the forum sometime last monthand it's been helpful for me. Edit: Just noticed you didn't use photoshop. Sorry. I'm not familiar with the program you used but if you can make different types of layers there may be a way to still do this digital trick.

@gary-wilkinson Thanks so much!

Hi, I'd like some help with a personal illustration! So aside from the fact that I want the background to be a dark room, I don't have much else planned. Should the background be simple or busy? And should it be structured or more organic? I'd be so grateful if you gave me your opinions on my piece. Thanks so much. Oh, and I'd love to get some advice about colour, contrast, and depth! I've been struggling with those. (https://erin-chan-art.deviantart.com/art/WIP-Illustration-731872315) Sorry it's a link - my photo wouldn't upload for some strange reason

@miriam Thank you so much for taking the time to share these gems! Thank you to Lee as well, of course.

Amazing stuff, welcome!

@kevin-longueil good eye! Thanks for the heads up. Or should I say the tongue out?

very cute!

Hey everybody, here are a couple paintings i've completed recently

Really wonderful! Love the characters and they way you are handling the skin tones and overall color. Awesome!

A few more... A hawk landed on a tree as I was sketching and stayed just long enough for me to get in some quick lines. Trying out some indoor sketching. I still feel a little awkward looking around and sketching people though... Will need to work on water and reflection! This one is just... chunky... but the branches were good negative space practice. Trying out more vibrant colors, and tried to convey the bigger mountains in the background with washed out color. I recently watched one of Mark Taro Holmes's sketching videos and liked the way he draws bushes, so I tried it here. He also had some good advice about adjusting the color every time you dip your brush so you get some natural variation.

@Rich-Green great stuff Rich, proud of you, you are so dermined to improve, I love it!

Should be there now.

@lonelycatpress those updates are wonderful. They really add to this piece and add to that magical wonderment the bear has with the fireflies!

I think your watercolor is lovely! I like your composition as well however there is something about the first image does not have the quality you have done to the other 3. I think it's the value differences. Anyway I really like your watercolor paintings!

@Mariana-Campos Don't let this piece fool you! I struggle with color too! Usually I'm too heavy handed.

@Kendra-Minadeo I love it! Total awww material. I got right away that it was a super friendly cat on top of a grumpy one. I must spend too much time "researching" cute cat pictures on the internets...