NIGHTFALL -Wip - Critique if you want.

APHOTICMOTH

So I wasn't going to participate out of some self doubt, but I've had this image haunting my thoughts since I saw the prompt, and decided to force myself to do it. I need to push my comfort zone.. Taking this one really seriously, and treating it like a publisher commissioned me. Instead of rushing, I did some thumbnailing, and I am pretty happy with the direction it's going. It's pretty rough right now. But if anyone has thoughts on the layout/poses/idea, that would be cool. I need to work on the perspective of the houses for sure. I left my writing edits, so you could see how I refined the writing. I would LOVE to be a writer. Dominant colors; peach,pink,purple, midnight blue ,turquoise, grey blue, white.

night phoenix spread wip.jpg

Melanie Ortins

@CLCanadyArts Looks beautiful! I love the composition, all the shapes fit together perfectly and flow together. Can't wait to see it finished

Neha Rawat

Oh wow! I love everything about this! I love that the whole scene is tilted. The girl is super cute and the phoenix looks brilliant! The placement of the moon behind the characters is perfect too! Looking forward to seeing this in color!

chrisaakins

@CLCanadyArts This looks great! You shouldn't doubt yourself. You have mad skills!

Coley

looks so good!!!! Can't wait to see progress !!!!

carlianne

Uhm, this is beautiful? I can't wait to see you color

thousandwrecks

I really love this! I also can't wait to see the color, because I think this is only going to get more beautiful.

romy

Hehe, like it that the phoenix is called night -- nice oximoron-like setup, very fun!

Nyrryl Cadiz

@CLCanadyArts i think this is already looking perfect

APHOTICMOTH

Oh, gosh.. Thank you everyone, all of these comments have given me some hope. Going to go for a mostly lineless look this time. If it goes well, I will be re-illustrating each of my older submissions in the same style with the critiques I've gotten on each.

teresaro

@CLCanadyArts I just wanted to reinforce it looks amazing and I'm really looking forward to seeing the final work! I'm a total newbie but for sure, don't doubt yourself or hold back! We're our own biggest obstacle

APHOTICMOTH

A lot left to do, but getting the basics worked out. She looks too old, going to refine the face. Thoughts on color choices?

night phoenix spread wip 2.jpg

chrisaakins

@CLCanadyArts I think the colors are perfect! The smart use of complementary colors on her dress and saddle make her pop and yet are harmonious with the pinks and purples. Beautiful!

Edit: The phoenix's lower leg looks a little lost/blurry.

APHOTICMOTH

@chrisaakins Thanks. Yet to flesh out the legs, or much anything really. They are definitely lost right now. Will be adding some shadowing to them. Glad you like the gold next to turquoise, bounced around on the dress color choice for awhile. I'll be adding some gold glint to the saddle and staff, hopefully without overbaking it.

carlianne

I think it's overall working really well!

My only concern would be that the pheonix is getting a little lost with the value range?

I just adjusted the bird, but you can play with it.

APHOTICMOTH

@carlianne I just saved a wip. Thoughts? I like what you did though. Thank you.

night phoenix spread 3.jpg
Also just saw your reply, was 2 days ago. Where have I been? Might have taken this your direction had I seen it.

APHOTICMOTH

The darker phoenix goes nicely with the hair too.

carlianne

@CLCanadyArts I think it works now! If you want to change it you can try just doing a levels adjustment layer with a mask. But I think the values are reading ok

Neha Rawat

@CLCanadyArts I love the colors!

I just have a few thoughts going on in my head. Feel free to ignore them please since I'm not too sure about them myself.

The background of the town - there is a distinct sharpness to the houses and a blurriness to all the trees (including the tress on the hills). Is that on purpose? Since all the other lines are sharp, this blurriness is throwing me a little off.
Maybe try omitting the blue glow where the phoenix overlaps the moon? I would think the glow wouldn't be seen against the bright white moon.

Your level of detailing is amazing! And I love the font selection and the way you've placed it in the starry night. Good luck!

KathrynAdebayo

I love her hair!