So...how'd I do?

[Obsidian]

Next up is Sasha's Relapse Part 2. I'm not quite as fond of this one, as I feel like I didn't do as well a job as my 2nd attempt (Sasha 1). I got off to a bad start and made the mistake of altering my line art layer instead of my duplicate layer, and I feel like that muddied the entire pic a little.

The carpet effect still bugs me too.

But, practice makes perfect I suppose. What do you think? Is this one on par with my last two attempts? Better? Worse?

*Adding the line art and the colored versions.

[Obsidian]

Back again, with another colored piece of artwork.

The line art is once more all Arania's.

This time around, I thought I'd take a shot at placing an image onto a background (painstaking work, btw), and I added a few bells and whistles (cuts, smoke smudges, some glow effects, ect).

I'd already colored Kore's Folly a while back using traditional means, but I thought I'd see how it stacks up against a digital attempt.

Would love your input. Am I doing better or worse? This is my fourth outing and I'm hoping that with each one, I'm getting progressively better.

[geneticks]

It's good, the leg's outline are a bit fuzzy compared to the lineart. I would say the cool background makes the hair not stand out since they are both dark, too. I like the glow of the stone!
Good job

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by geneticks

It's good, the leg's outline are a bit fuzzy compared to the lineart. I would say the cool background makes the hair not stand out since they are both dark, too. I like the glow of the stone!
Good job

Thank you.

Yeah, a lot of the edges are a bit more jagged than I would prefer. I'll have to work on that. Also true about the hair. Perhaps a lighter shade?

The stone is my favorite part. It just *looks* right to me.

Thank you for your input. It really helps me a lot. I'm actually strongly considering going to school and majoring in art, so that I can learn to draw (both traditionally and digitally), paint, and graphic design. That's pretty much why I started the general thread "Nature vs Nurture"; as I've said a few times, I don't really have much experience with drawing or anything artistic really. And yet, I want to do just that. But is it even possible for me? Is art an inherent skill that some folks are just naturally good at? Or can anyone start from scratch and, with patience and practice, grasp and hone the fundamental elements of what makes good, visual art?

I'm plagued by this thought, and it makes me wonder if I'd just be wasting time and money on something I'll never truly be able to produce.

Oh well, I'll just keep on practicing my coloring abilities as I explore the question further.

[Obsidian]

Looking at Wacom tablets. Is it worth it for me to purchase a tablet? I'm serious about wanting to learn and improve my visual art skills, but at this point, would it be like giving a cell phone to Joan of Arc (aka, as a complete novice, is it just going to confuse me more than help)?

[Torasque]

If you have the want to improve, it can be a very useful tool. But like anything else, the habits you form early on will follow you. If you are going to do a tablet, Make sure you do not just 'get' one. Look around, ask around and if you can find a way to try one out.

Some people are more comfortable with a mouse because of the mass of it, others their trackballs are their lifeline. It comes down to personal preference. Although if you have Cintique moneys by all means get one. I do circuit design and layout, and eagle + cintique is love. There is just something about being able to see what you are doing. (<-- YMMV, not valid in Rhode Island, void where prohibited)

[Obsidian]

So, I had neatoflamingo (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/neatoflamingo/) over on FA do a little TF line art sequence for me, so that I can do a little more practicing with digital coloring.

I decided to just stick with some flat colors for now, but I've also included a version that has some sfx (moonlight radiance and glow).

[Nihtgenga]

Nice job there, I especially like the moonlight effects.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Nihtgenga

Nice job there, I especially like the moonlight effects.

Thanks.

[Amahain]

I've been reluctant to comment because I'm really no expert in colouring technique and can't really offer a critique in any technical sense. Still, I feel it needs to be said: I think it looks good. I also think it's cool that you're practicing some skills besides writing (which you do well). Almost makes me want to learn to draw.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by Amahain

I've been reluctant to comment because I'm really no expert in colouring technique and can't really offer a critique in any technical sense. Still, I feel it needs to be said: I think it looks good. I also think it's cool that you're practicing some skills besides writing (which you do well). Almost makes me want to learn to draw.

Thank you.

You should give drawing a try if you want. I'll give it to you straight, though: It's tough and long process. At least that has been my experience. I have an artist giving me lessons, but even so, it's slow going. But everyone's different; give it a shot!

...but don't stop writing. I love your stories.