Fantasy Scene - Critique and advice please

#1

Hi, I just finished this piece, but i’m completely open to critiques and advice for improvement. Maybe Ill take it further sometime later. What do you guys think?

Thanks

#2

What is the purpose of this image? A portfolio piece? Concept art for an existing IP? What are you trying to portray/express in the image?

The lighting from the foreground to the background doesn’t seem to match. One is back-lit and the other isn’t. Also, the very flat foreground with the painted textured background contrast a bit too much. I suggest you give the foreground slightly more detail, even if just using a texture brush and use a very subtle value shift to give it some more visual interest so it isn’t completely flat.

#3

Thanks Robert.

The purpose of the image was mainly to practice, and if it is good enough, use it for my portfolio.
It is not related to any existing IP or story. It started with a sketch, and not a pre-planned idea.

For me, the image portrays an environment - a small military camp beneath a big wall, with a guard standing at his post on a hill, looking over the camp. The mood is calm - there is no battle going on at the moment, but there is also tension, like something can happen soon.

I understand your comments about the lighting and contrast. Thanks a lot. I’ll post an update soon.

Ofer