Congrats top 16! Some really great entries! I can’t make the arena tomorrow, but I’ll be eagerly waiting to watch it later tomorrow night. Best of luck in the arena!
Congrats everybody that make it in the top 16! I wasn't pick; hope I still get the chance to get a critique as an honorable mention.
@Eugene-Tan Did you submit your artwork at the critique arena website? I submitted my artwork here on the forum without knowing I had to upload it on the critique arena website. I ended submitting my entry on Aug 1 and they were very kind on replying back asking me to fix the dimensions of the image, because I even got that wrong 
. They were really patience with me.
@Eugene-Tan Hi! Sorry about that!
We had sent the image back to you for resizing, as the dimensions were off. There were several entries in the same boat as well.
But, they were still all officially accepted into the contest! Your image was submitted to the judges for review, so they got the chance to check it out
Congratulations to the top 16 finalists! They're all so different, and amazing!
On a personal note, having been in the top 16, and even won on occasion, it's always a painful reality check when I don't make the top 16. But I try to take the sting I feel right now, and use it to work even harder and smarter on the next piece. Meanwhile, I look forward to watching Critique Arena later. You can learn a lot just by hearing what resonates with the judges most, and of course, seeing who wins.
@j-sienkowski Thank you! Yes, it's watercolor with some digitally rendered details.
Just come off the Critique Arena and I'm a bit in shock! Had to have 2 beers while I was watching it because that voting system is so nerve wracking!!!!!! How have you all watched that every month?! Also very surreal watching people you've listened to for years talking about your work. 
Thanks so much for the critique Jake and Lee, is total gold to get that opportunity. Anyway, I realised right at the end that I'd been writing comments to people all the way through and just replying to the hosts. 
️️️But I honestly I really loved everyone's work SO much. Kristian I really loved yours when I saw it in the forum, same for yours Eric, was so jealous of your environment scene, I really struggle with that so thought it was super impressive. And Valerie yours was so up there with my faves, seriously loved it and the hours you must have put into that and the details, honestly mindblowing! And wow that was close! 
️ And Kate yours was freaking adorable! And Aurelia! And Marek you NEED to go into animation! Honestly so much goodness in there and super inspiring. I'm going to attempt to go to bed but am totally buzzing, thanks so much to everyone who voted for mine, so appreciate it.
🥰 Just wanted to write a message on here because of my chat balls up and didn't want you to think I was ignorant because you couldnt see my messages! Night all, what a ridiculous couple of hours!!!! 
Xxx
@helenbrady Congrats to you Helen, your piece was clear and cute and super funny and well rendered. Nice job.
And YES that voting system is so nerve wracking. to help cope with it, I use my partner's head as a stress ball. Maybe this tip will work for you?
@Asyas_illos I Love everything about this! Those great curves, the energy, the color, and those wee ghosts!!!!
@helenbrady congratulations! Way to go on your first arena!
@lidia-ull aww thanks! Congrats winners!
@Asyas_illos I really like both of your pieces! So cute! I love your style and color palettes.
@helenbrady this is amazing!! I love the energy and emotions and colors… also, fantastic job handling a crowd scene!
@Pamela-Fraley thank you!
@Asyas_illos I really love the texture of your painting. Can I ask what kind of brush you’re using to get those edges? Is it in Procreate?
@Pamela-Fraley of course! Yes I use procreate, though I honestly couldn’t tell you if this brush comes with the brushes provided in procreate or if it was from a couple brush sets I bought almost a year ago. I use a rake for a lot of my blending and erasing around the edges to gets all those chips . Here’s a screenshot of my favorites!
@Asyas_illos Oh wow. Thanks for the screen shot. 
Ive never even heard of rake brushes before. I have a few brush packs too, but I’m still learning how to use them. Digital is very new for me. I love the edges you’re getting with those.
@Pamela-Fraley happy to share! I just bought a couple packs today too eager to try them out!
@Pamela-Fraley the rake I used is from a set I purchased shown below but there is one in procreate under inking
@helenbrady Congrats Helen! Very well deserved! You absolutely nailed it with this prompt!
@unlearning_savesme Thank You!
@helenbrady Congrats to you Helen, your piece was clear and cute and super funny and well rendered. Nice job.
And YES that voting system is so nerve wracking. to help cope with it, I use my partner's head as a stress ball. Maybe this tip will work for you?
