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    Having trouble finding good references for my sketch

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    • Eric Castleman
      Eric Castleman last edited by

      There are a couple of issues I have run into with this composition. One is how to understand light on the suroundinf tree tops. I am used to things closer to the viewer being darker, however, it would make sense that more light would be hitting the tree tops than the ground where there is shadow. I can't seem to find any good reference to help me out.

      Secondly, I want there to be a spuirrel on the branch reaching up from the branch, but finding any sort of photo reference of animals reaching upward has been pretty much impossible.

      Any thoughts?

      0_1481042789980_A1B35B43-0062-48FC-BAD9-B98A618E7D28-3245-000002CA0AD71350_tmp.png

      EricCastleman.com

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      Kevin Longueil RobinSlee Nazuba 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • Kevin Longueil
        Kevin Longueil SVS OG @Eric Castleman last edited by

        @Eric-Castleman "trees worms eye view" should give you lots of google images for this viewpoint - for the squirrel i would construct it i think and use multiple reference to make it believable - you could also use you iPad camera and sneak up on some squirrels:)

        Portfolio: kevinlongueil.com
        https://www.instagram.com/kevinlongueil/

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        • RobinSlee
          RobinSlee @Eric Castleman last edited by

          @Eric-Castleman if you have a toy squirrel you can pose it just how you need and use the information and constructive geometry to build the reference image yourself?

          Site: Idrawcreatures.com
          Shop: RobinSleeDesigns.etsy.com

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          • Eric Castleman
            Eric Castleman last edited by

            Awesome replies! Exactly what I needed. Thanks!

            EricCastleman.com

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            • Nazuba
              Nazuba @Eric Castleman last edited by

              @Eric-Castleman Not sure how far you went with your piece, but the foliage on the trees will stop the light from falling on the barks. Maybe some dappled light based on the lighting you choose for the sky.
              Also, foliage is always darker in value than the sky, except in Autumn. Since they are far away, they will be subject to atmospheric perspective.
              You have also chosen to look into the light somewhat, which might make it very tricky to render.
              Hope that helped.

              https://www.dribbble.com/nazuba
              https://www.instagram.com/nazubahere/

              Eric Castleman 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
              • Eric Castleman
                Eric Castleman @Nazuba last edited by

                @Nazuba great insights! Here is where I am at so far. I have changed the concept from a squirrel grabbing an acorn to a boy looking up into the sky while laying down on his back. I have yet to add that part, but the boy will be in the light.

                0_1481247774245_E0918D38-389F-4256-97A2-AAF225480210-5751-000006254B87E220_tmp.png

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                • Eric Castleman
                  Eric Castleman last edited by

                  Here is the main idea. The light coming through the trees will place emphasis over the boy.

                  0_1481265354278_6E5A1DB0-8372-493E-8D08-4EBBA940C4F8-6160-00000683BC650A16_tmp.png

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                  Nazuba 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • Nazuba
                    Nazuba @Eric Castleman last edited by

                    @Eric-Castleman Oh I get it now, before this I was thinking its a view looking up rather than a view looking down. Do share your progress.
                    One tip: making the foliage irregular and spread throughout the canvas is going to look more natural and nicer rather than this composition. Some leaves can cover some tiny parts of the boy shape, I personally think it will make a more flowing composition.

                    https://www.dribbble.com/nazuba
                    https://www.instagram.com/nazubahere/

                    Eric Castleman 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                    • Eric Castleman
                      Eric Castleman @Nazuba last edited by

                      @Nazuba here is where I am at now

                      0_1481353593127_7DBA27A0-C2CA-46DA-85C2-F7B17C46D9C1-519-0000008BD214EA5B_tmp.png

                      EricCastleman.com

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                      • evilrobot
                        evilrobot SVS OG last edited by

                        It's looking great!

                        http://www.palacioillustration.com/

                        https://www.scbwi.org/illustrator-gallery/illustrator-detail/?illustrator_id=84142

                        https://www.pinterest.com/evilrobot2/pins/

                        https://twitter.com/MyEvilRobot

                        Eric Castleman 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                        • Eric Castleman
                          Eric Castleman @evilrobot last edited by

                          @evilrobot thanks!!

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                          • Eric Castleman
                            Eric Castleman @Eric Castleman last edited by

                            I think it is done. At least it is time to move on

                            0_1481488995864_0D834715-46C5-40D6-9DA6-C12F700DADC1-1399-00000239E385F2B2_tmp.png

                            EricCastleman.com

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                            • Eric Castleman
                              Eric Castleman last edited by

                              Started adding color. I couldn't leave it black and white.

                              0_1481713029042_2BCEA8B5-8F96-4AA9-9A84-B2A88BBE15B8-3932-000005F93840D2C5_tmp.png

                              EricCastleman.com

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                              https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/eric-castleman

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