steampunk "angel" WIP

#1

Hi tharr, I’m new!

This work in progress is for an upcoming steampunk themed group exhibition. Any critique will be well appreciated. I often get stuck at this point in my digital paintings, but this is one I really want to finish.

I am hoping the concept is self evident, but if not, it is morning, and our heroine is tightening up her boots before the maiden flight of her latest contraption. I realise that her hair is extremely impractical, but as the focus of this exhibition is on steampunk fashion I am hoping you all can suspend your disbelief. :slight_smile:

for other progress shots you can go here: http://s893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/starrystarstargoesfar/artwork%20-%20works%20in%20progress/

and the photo reference is here: http://s893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/starrystarstargoesfar/artwork%20-%20works%20in%20progress/?action=view&current=IMG_9932.jpg

#2

Where is her other hand? We need to see at least some clear indication of it or this will look awkward (this is true for most depictions of figures). If you lack the ability to alter what’s in the photo reference, then you need to shoot your own reference. Never fake anything unless you are a highly advanced artist who can pull it off. You’ve got problems with her legs and feet too. Shoot your own photo references and stop relying on references that don’t provide everything you need, where you have to make alterations and add important missing stuff. I suggest you read this thread on the dangers of cherry-picking from references: http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=7242955#post7242955

There are plenty of ways to have her hair pulled back and still look very stylish, including very fashionable headgear. It’s a matter of your imagination and design sense. Never make excuses for the lack of credibility of your visual storytelling; instead, find ways to make your visual storytelling more credible.

Is there supposed to be a background and a premise in this image? This image would be much more interesting if she was on a cliff or a ledge at great height, and maybe with dramatic lighting (sunset or sunrise), and a beautiful sky and cityscape (or landscape, or ocean) behind her.

#3

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