Creative Block - Making an Image more Interesting
-
Hi ,
I am pretty new to this , and hoping that I am posting this in the right place. I have been stuck working on this image for the last month or so and getting increasingly frustrated by it.
I am not sure how to make it more dynamic and interesting . Any feedback or suggestions welcome
-
What is the story you want to tell with the image? That is the biggest question to answer.
If the wolf is 'stalking' prey then look for pose representing that more.The characters both have hard edges with a soft blurred background and not any strong indication of the light source. Try softening some of the distant edges and see how it looks. and decide on a clear light source to add in additional shadows to give more depth.
The wolf's eye is going to grab your attention right away because of the contrast, if that's not the intent then perhaps change the contrast in that area.
More understanding on the story element you want to tell can help push this even further.
-
I agree with @RChabot. I think a little more information on the story would be helpful to the critique. This is the first time I have posted in the forums to give advice so please forgive me if it is done incorrectly.
If I were working on this painting I would give it a bit more back ground, change the posture of the wolf and scale red riding hood a bit bigger. I think there are better postures for the wolf to impart the menacing look we expect from the big baddie (if you are going for menacing). If you are going for the scary look maybe make the wolf snarl a bit more. He seems to be almost smiling.
Anatomy on the wolf's legs is a bit off and also shading. Legs further away should be a bit darker or shaded differently from the legs in the front. The fur of the wolf should show between the front legs. Right now they look like they are on the same side of the body. Google images of wolves and really study their postures and anatomy. Do some quick sketches to get the feel for their form. I think you have a great start here with your wolf. He just needs a bit of touch up.
Lighting source will definitely help you with the shading and also where the eye will be drawn to in the painting.
I think with some tweaking you have a really good concept. Practice is all it will take. Make copies of your painting and just try different things with the different copies. Don't give up on it. This is a good start.
-
@RChabot Thank you so much for the feedback. I guess my inspiration draws from Fables of Bigsby and Red Riding Hood, and this would be when he first comes across her and is more curious by her,
I will definitely try out some of your suggestions
-
@Leslie-Walker Thank you so much I am a complete newbie too, you make some excellent points as I mentioned to @RChabot , the story behind it is more about the first time the wolf meets Red Riding hood, so I wanted him to be big and intimidating maybe a little menacing but mostly curious.
I think I get so stuck on a particular pose that I try make it work. Thank you both for the suggestions , I am going try out all suggestions hopefully I can do better!
-
@Di07 I am working up the courage to post some of my work so you are miles ahead already! I am looking forward to seeing more of your work. Post updates if you would. It would be interesting to see where you take this one.
-
@Leslie-Walker Will do !! I totally understand the feeling . This might just be the boost I need to get back into my art and finally get better (fingers crossed)
Cant wait to see some of your stuff
-
This post is deleted! -
@Damien-Rambacher I dont mindat all , I love that idea!!1 Thank you !!! I am currently trying to learn more about the anatomy of the wolf, so hopefully I will be able to draw him better!
-
@Damien-Rambacher @Leslie-Walker @RChabot Hi guys , so I've been off drawing wolves and learning anatomy this took me longer than I hoped !I know there is prob still a lot to improve on but if I don't move on this piece I never will
Let me know what you think :)
image url) -
This post is deleted! -
Hey @Di07! I think the piece improved already pretty much. However, I find Damiens @Damien-Rambacher draw over still a bit more speaking, because Red is smaller compared to the wolf and has to look up to him. Therefore her body language shows a bit more of her fear than in your version. That is particularly important because you can not transport emotions via her face. Maybe that helps... Nice job!
-
I like the dark contrast between the lack wolf and the yellow eyes and the bright red cloak on the top one. What bothers me a little is the lack of ground to step on, they seem to be floating a bit and even if it's supposed to be foggy or misty, it seems like you might show the ground under the feet a little more. The background and foreground seem to be on the same plane so, something to show that they are standing on something in the foreground would be helpful, I think. I really like it. I like it more than the revision, myself but they are both good. Maybe just a matter of taste
Marsha Ottum Owen
-
@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen Correction, the foreground and background do not look like they are on the same plane. I think it's just that the feet and the red riding hood need a shadow under it or something...what do I know?
-
@Damien-Rambacher Thank you
-
@Jana I agree totally, i had her smaller and then i think after hours of staring at it i decided to make her larger no sure why!!
I will change her back -
@Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen Thank you for the feedback and yes , I noticed that and was struggling with how to put it in seamlessly , i thought the fog would help, clearly it didn't :D. Back to the drawing board.
I appreciate everyone's input the only way I am going to learn and get better so thank you
-
@Di07 Looking great! I think you are making tons of improvement. The wolf definitely gives you more "shivers" in your recent posting. Sorry I didn't respond sooner. This is the first time I have been able to log in for a while. You are doing great! Can't wait to see the final piece.
-
@Leslie-Walker Not a problem I m just so grateful for all the advice and tips from you all! Ok here it is I think, @Jana and @Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen I tried to take on board your great advice hopeful they all look much less floaty! :D
image url) -
I am just learning myself, but I think this would benefit greatly from an established light source... maybe red could be holding a lantern or a torch... I take it that is the moon behind, that would cast a shadow in front of the legs and onto red... I think someone better at lighting could help you more... cool wolf!
