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View Full Version : Guarding the Gates of Hell, Tiffani Barner (2D)

Dazvinik
09-12-2007, 10:34 PM
http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/266397/266397_1189636478_medium.jpg (http://features.cgsociety.org/gallerycrits/266397/266397_1189636478_large.jpg)

Title: Guarding the Gates of Hell
Name: Tiffani Barner
Country: United States
Software: Photoshop

General Info:
This is the first piece I have done this semester for my Independent Study class. My focus is in digital art, and my main goals of the class are to refine my digital technique and skills while applying what I know to breathing life into characters from my personal works. Hopefully this will develop into a 5 or 6 piece series, I have a few ideas about how I would like to tie the imagery together, but it’s all still up in the air for now.

Constructive criticism is welcome as long as it remains constructive; I always welcome hearing other people’s ideas and opinions. :) My main problem throughout the piece was getting the figure's clothing to stand out from the background. I have heard conflicting opinions in regards to whether it blends in too much or not, so I would like more feedback if possible. Also, I am still a bit shaky with my human anatomy, so if there is anything that stands out to anyone as looking 'off', I would like to know. Suggestions on how to improve the hands would also be greatly appreciated!

Technical Details:
Programs used - Adobe Photoshop CS2
Time Taken - 80+ hours
Process - I first sketched out the my general idea for the image on pencil and paper, then scanned it and used it as the basis for the finished painting. The background line work was removed, but some of my initial pencil work is integrated with the figure.

Image, Character, Story etc. is © T. N. Barner 2007, All Rights Reserved, Submitted Sept 12 2007
Gmax
09-14-2007, 09:53 AM
Hey there! SInce you're obviously very set on making outstanding pieces, I'm going to be very hard on you - I hope you don't find it offensive, because it's really not meant to be. First I must say that the detailing is amazing, and you've done a remarkable efford to fill the image with stuff that could have kept the viewer interested for quite some time. But details alone doesn't punch anyone in the face. In fact, when details are everywhere, the viewer doesn't know where to focus. Moreover, you've painted the entire piece in the same red/orange pallette, which makes not only his clothes blend into the background, but it also flattens the piece and makes it boring to look at. It is indeed imperative to keep everything within the same colour scheme, but that doesn't mean not using blues and greens in an image that is basically yellow and red. Contrasts and complementary colours tightens up the image and creates vibrance and dynamics. The only highlight is in the upper left corner, far away from where you want the viewer to focus. Try putting some shadows and highlights on his face instead. And since this is supposed to be the Guardian of the Gates of Hell, he shouldn't be looking like a houseware salesman. A simple straight-up posture like this can be made a lot more interesting.

His anatomy is okay - nothing that plain practice cannot solve. Your main problem is that you do not lead the viewer in any direction, and there's not much going on anywhere in the image. I would suggest that you colour your pieces more boldly, with highlights and contrasts where the action is, and then put some action there. Again: there hasn't got to be a lot of movement and interesting postures - simple postures can also have a lot of movement, but this comes with practice.

Hope this wasn't too discouraging - good luck with your next piece! :)
Dazvinik
09-14-2007, 08:12 PM
First off, thank you very much for the critiques, Gmax. No offense taken at all. They were very well thought out and I appreciate that you would place that kind of time and effort into a response. I also appreciate the fact that you are being hard on me; it is the only way to foster improvement. :D

Your points are all very good and I will keep them in mind as I continue working on my next assignment. I'll especially be focusing on escaping the monochromatic/analogous color schemes that I tend to fall into, pushing the intensity of the image through lighting and pose, and being a bit more careful where I place detail.

And since this is supposed to be the Guardian of the Gates of Hell, he shouldn't be looking like a houseware salesman.

And I think you've just given me some additional inspiration for a comic or short story, LOL!
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