Christmas drawing challenge

Will Terry

@jallott Very fun project! I love working on Santa related images so this one really caught my eye. I drew over your work - thank you for asking and being open to critique.

I felt you had a few spaces that could be tightened up...big open spaces can dilute the potency of your design.
Overall things are too close to the image edge so I added more "canvas"
Since you're showing us 3D objects in the foreground like the present and calendar I think you need to keep this consistent with larger objects in the background.
If you show one present you need to show more or else you might be placing too much emphasis on that one present. If it's just a prop for "flavor" then shouldn't there be more?
I think you need to indicate what happens in the background. Since this image goes to the borders and doesn't vignette it creates the question - is that a wall back there?
I would have Santa giving the operator of the loading contraption more of an attitude. Is he confident? Is he worried that the load will hurt his sleigh? Is he concerned that an elf could get crushed? I think you need to write more into this part of the story and then express it in Santa.

Great piece!

jallott

@will-terry Thanks for the critique and for taking the time to do the draw over, really appreciate it! I knew there was something not quite right particularly with the background so this really helps. Just from your sketch you get a much better sense of depth. I'll definitely try to take this on board with the rest of the series. Thanks again!

Oh, and there was meant to be just one present left behind (but I do see what you mean!)

jallott

Here's day 5!

0_1512509486322_Christmas story 5.jpg

jallott

@leontine Thank you!

Eli

Awww now I'm all worried about the little bear! Ha! Great idea--I loved the one you did last year as well!

Doha

Poor little Tim!!
Amazing stuff. Loved your last year's collection. Can't wait to see you finish this.

jallott

@eli Thank you!! Let's hope it all works out for the little guy haha!

jallott

@doha Thanks really glad you liked it!

jallott

Here's day 6!

0_1512596203077_Christmas story 6.jpg

IanS

You've got more energy than me. I moved house in June and put everything on hold until I was done. Good luck with it!

I like this story in December idea. This time of year is always a little quiet so setting yourself a project is smart. It'll also give you some content to share and promote yourself with. That was some great advice from @Will-Terry. It's those subtle story telling elements which are so easy to overlook. I look forward to seeing more!

jallott

@ians Thanks! Absolutely, the feedback and comments from Will and everyone on here have been really helpful and encouraging. Really helps me stay motivated to make time to do it while I'm boxing up all my worldly possessions! I'm hoping with some more work after it's done it might be a good basis for a picture book.