Alicorn Twilight Sketch ('Completed')

[SkyBound 829]

So, I started this little sketch when the conformation of Twilight becoming an alicorn was released and a few people overreacted a bit.  What started as a happy little picture turned into something that portrayed grief and betrayal.  To be honest, it was more for practice on emotions than anything else, but still.

 

Regardless, before I went any further with it, I wanted to see if anything looked a bit off or needed corrected.  The wings still need a bit of work, I know, but if anyone has any suggestions or comments, please feel free to share them.  Posture not quite right, expression not fully there?  Let me know and thank you!

Edited February 13, 2013 by SkyBound

[Halfblood 364]

You've got basic shapes down; her legs and hooves are pretty good.  They have a nice curvature.  Try making the outline of her chest a bit smoother though, the line there looks a tad bit jagged.

 

Her expression and posture conveys emotion well.  I look at this, and I can immediately feel the grief that you intended for.  That's very well done!  I enjoy the shape of her face, primarily her snout.  Her ruffled mane really adds to the detail, and translates the feeling of stress and gloom nicely!

 

This is a good wip you have here!  I can already tell this is on the right track to becoming a wonderful piece of artwork!  Keep at it! 

[SkyBound 829]

You've got basic shapes down; her legs and hooves are pretty good.  They have a nice curvature.  Try making the outline of her chest a bit smoother though, the line there looks a tad bit jagged.

 

Her expression and posture conveys emotion well.  I look at this, and I can immediately feel the grief that you intended for.  That's very well done!  I enjoy the shape of her face, primarily her snout.  Her ruffled mane really adds to the detail, and translates the feeling of stress and gloom nicely!

 

This is a good wip you have here!  I can already tell this is on the right track to becoming a wonderful piece of artwork!  Keep at it! 

 

First of all, thank you very much for the critique and comment.  I am truly grateful, as they are always quite helpful to improving my techniques.

 

As far as the chest, I was attempting to Twilight's right (our left) hoof slightly in front of her chest, so I am assuming that is the jagged form you were describing.  If that was not what you were pointing out, please feel free to correct me.

 

Thank goodness the expression came through.  Convey emotions, both through facial features and body language, is still a weak area for me and am constantly trying to improve.

 

Again, thanks you!  Hopefully I will have an updated version up at some point.

[SkyBound 829]

Whether or not I made this better or worse, here is an updated version of this little work-in-progress.  Little has changed with the exception of additional details to the wings and other minor features.  I also added the dark background and 'shadow' for contrast, though I am not sure if this made it worse or added anything to this (which is one reason why I stopped it midway through).  As always, critiques and comments are welcome and appreciated, as they are a valuable tool for my pursuit for improvement. Thank you!

[Kokoripony 90]

This is really nice! I love the use of shadows you used in the final product! I would love to see more use of texture from you but this is just beautiful ;3;.

[SkyBound 829]

This is really nice! I love the use of shadows you used in the final product! I would love to see more use of texture from you but this is just beautiful ;3;.

 

Oh, this is not the final version yet.  I was merely experimenting with contrast and shadows to see if it could unify the piece a bit more.  As this is still new territory for me, I simply wanted to see if others had anything to point out that I had not considered or needed corrected.  There is still so much I wish to do with it, so I guess I will see how that proceeds.  As far as textures, could you tell me what you exactly are looking for?  Do you have any other advice as well?  Anything to help my work further would be wonderful.

 

On a side note, I saw your WIP of Twilight, and I must say that I am envious of you skills.  I feel as though mine cannot hold a candle compared to yours, and I say that with utmost humility and honesty.

[SkyBound 829]

Okay, I am done with this one, whether for better or for worse. I know fully well that there is still a lot I could have done with it (made the darks and shadows darker, better textures in the hair and wings) so feel free to tear this one apart.  As always, any and all comments are appreciated!

[Halfblood 364]

I'm really glad to have seen this piece go through the stages that you've posted- it's fine artwork.  Your use of shading definitely emphasizes the emotions suggested in the art.  You've kept your light source consistent, which only adds to the very emotional feel to it.  There are areas were the shading could be slightly more prominent, like the under side of her hind legs and rump.  Everywhere else is fine though, especially the shadow she is casting.  Very dramatic; I like it!  I think the textures that are there, in her hair and wings, are very convincing too.  I do like how they turned out!  

 

I noticed you took out the crown.  Any reason?  

 

That's all I got!  I really do enjoy this piece!  There's alot here that gets the viewer thinking, and feeling, all of which I can appreciate.  Bravo!@@SkyBound,

[SkyBound 829]

I'm really glad to have seen this piece go through the stages that you've posted- it's fine artwork.  Your use of shading definitely emphasizes the emotions suggested in the art.  You've kept your light source consistent, which only adds to the very emotional feel to it.  There are areas were the shading could be slightly more prominent, like the under side of her hind legs and rump.  Everywhere else is fine though, especially the shadow she is casting.  Very dramatic; I like it!  I think the textures that are there, in her hair and wings, are very convincing too.  I do like how they turned out!  

 

I noticed you took out the crown.  Any reason?  

 

That's all I got!  I really do enjoy this piece!  There's alot here that gets the viewer thinking, and feeling, all of which I can appreciate.  Bravo!@@SkyBound,

 

Thank you, first off, for your insightful comments; you have no idea how much it means to me.  I am not really sure why I posted this in stages, but I always have enjoyed watching the steps in how an artist goes about creating a drawing from beginning to end.  Taking another look at this, I cannot  believe I did not notice that the shading is indeed off on the hindquarters, but it is something I will have to focus on more next time.  Shading, in general, is still one of my weakest areas, but it feels good to hear that I did at least a half decent job on this piece.

 

As for the crown, the position I had it in previously was quite...stale, stagnant, in comparison to the rest of the piece.  I erased it with the intent on placing it in again.  However, at the time I was finishing this, I felt so frustrated and distraught that I did not even bother.  Perhaps I will make that addition down the line; it really would add a little bit to this.

 

Again, I must thank you for you kind compliments, as they find them not only encouraging, but also as lessons and tips for the future.  I had no intent on taking this drawing as far as I did at the start, but now I am glad that I did.

Edited February 13, 2013 by SkyBound