Should I keep going with my fan art?

[Foxx 258]

Hello there! Vixxen here requesting some critique.

 

Now, before you go and post a sugar-coated comment(OMG, so great. Can't see anything wrong at all!), I want some real critique. I'm not saying that you have to be a pro at it, but don't candy-coat it, because that will not get me anywhere. I want the cold hard truth. Do not feel guilty, or anything like that, I appreciate all of your ideas and want to improve upon my art as much as possible. So without further ado, write away! Art is in the spoiler.

 

 

 

 

 

[Vinyl Scratch. 604]

Honestly I love it but I think that some of the features look more realistic than others e.g. the mane and tail are quite detailed where as the body is quite simplistic and looks like a smooth surface.

[Malinter 3,064]

Thats a very nice style, especially her hair. the only things that strike me as off are the shape of her other eye (her left) and that her tail covers her cutie mark.

 

You should continue with your art regardless of what we all think. Art is a good talent to have and you should always stick with it.

[Dattebayo 2,850]

Real ctique?

Alright...

 

Well, the eyes are a bit lifeless. You might have added shine to it (too MUCH shine, even) but they seem flat and dull, a victim of too much detail without an effective way to apply it.

When it comes to eyes, dont complicate it too much. Make them expressive, and no more.

I also cant even see the pupils/iris on the left eye (our right) not to mention that its mis-shappen.

 

The hoof thats raised up seems to not be connected to the body.

You can tell by picturing where it is leading.

 

The muzzle is rather mannish, but I can forgive that as its probably you drawing style.

Same can be said about the pony's lack of curves on her rump (kinda looks like a Greyhound).

Also, the shifts between realistic and cartoony is very distracting and oof-putting.

That just me though.

[Foxx 258]

Real ctique?

Alright...

 

Well, the eyes are a bit lifeless. You might have added shine to it (too MUCH shine, even) but they seem flat and dull, a victim of too much detail without an effective way to apply it.

When it comes to eyes, dont complicate it too much. Make them expressive, and no more.

I also cant even see the pupils/iris on the left eye (our right) not to mention that its mis-shappen.

 

The hoof thats raised up seems to not be connected to the body.

You can tell by picturing where it is leading.

 

The muzzle is rather mannish, but I can forgive that as its probably you drawing style.

Same can be said about the pony's lack of curves on her rump (kinda looks like a Greyhound).

 

Thanks, I'll look to improve upon all those things! (The mannish muzzle is me being to lazy to use the eraser   )

Edited March 26, 2014 by Vixxen

[Dattebayo 2,850]

lol

Try doing it taditional, those bastards [erasers] always get lost and you have to cope without them.

[DJpon-3 56]

Umm let's see...

I think the basic knowledge is definitely there but to me the whole piece seems kind of lifeless and lacks a certain draw.

Personally I like pieces where the artist puts their own feelings in the art.

 

The anatomy and balance are also a bit off and the primary focus is directly on the pony making the composition flat.

 

Also, I think putting some of your own personal style in your ponies would make them more appealing.

I have seen a lot of tendency to just mimic the general pony style.

 

The lighting and shading could do with a bit more pop as well.

Maybe some color theory to indicate the emotion or environment you are meaning to portray.

 

I really think you have some great potential in your work, it just needs a bit more development!

 

 

Keep it up!

[Dattebayo 2,850]

Personally I like pieces where the artist puts their own feelings in the art.

*slips you a link to my dA, looks around casually*

Edited March 26, 2014 by Dattebayo

[Casy 238]

I usually don't do this because i seriously don't have time for those things, but I like how you asked for real critique which will move you forward instead of "love my art" comments

I will not repeat what was already said, here is my opinion showed also on your artwork, if you don't mind.

First of all, ANATOMY
please, DONT hide limbs under tail/hair if its not necessary or purpose. A LOT of artist do this and is looks (and usually it is) like hiding you lack of knowledge of anatomy. There are plenty tutorials at the internet. Study them, and don't do this next time. It will look better even with some mistakes, than with all hided limbs.

Next is SETTING UP SCENE

Dont... cut...limbs... never..ever. If its not purpose of close-up frame or something. Seriously, try to draw head/torso/ or whole body. Don't set up scene like you did now.

After that is SHADING
Not bad... but don't do this mistake : edge = shadow .. thats WRONG
Set up light source and imagine that pony in the space. Is that hoof in shadow? should be this ear highlighted? if yes, how much?
Just some lame corrections i did (i also corrected that shadow at her belly)

 

Almost last thing i should mention : HAIR
Download brushes if you are using Photoshop.
Study photos of women with longer hair.
Those hair you did looks little like bouffant. And they don't look soft at all.


I hope you don't mind all those tips i gave you. 
And definitely last thing to say : DONT..STOP...DRAWING..
You are on seriously good way to become awesome artist. You need more practice, but you did great work here.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP UP GOOD WORK!
 

Edited March 26, 2014 by Casy

[SomeReallyRandomGuy 137]

I personally think this looks really nice, keep it up

[Foxx 258]

I usually don't do this because i seriously don't have time for those things, but I like how you asked for real critique which will move you forward instead of "love my art" comments

 

I will not repeat what was already said, here is my opinion showed also on your artwork, if you don't mind.

 

First of all, ANATOMY

please, DONT hide limbs under tail/hair if its not necessary or purpose. A LOT of artist do this and is looks (and usually it is) like hiding you lack of knowledge of anatomy. There are plenty tutorials at the internet. Study them, and don't do this next time. It will look better even with some mistakes, than with all hided limbs.

A.png

 

 

Next is SETTING UP SCENE

Dont... cut...limbs... never..ever. If its not purpose of close-up frame or something. Seriously, try to draw head/torso/ or whole body. Don't set up scene like this

B.png

 

After that is SHADING

Not bad... but don't do this mistake : edge = shadow .. thats WRONG

Set up light source and imagine that pony in the space. Is that hoof in shadow? should be this ear highlighted? if yes, how much?

Just some lame corrections i did (i also corrected that shadow at her belly)

C.png

 

Almost last thing i should mention : HAIR

Download brushes if you are using Photoshop.

Study photos of women with longer hair.

Those hair you did looks little like bouffant. And they don't look soft at all.

D.png

 

I hope you don't mind all those tips i gave you. 

And definitely last thing to say : DONT..STOP...DRAWING..

You are on seriously good way to become awesome artist. You need more practice, but you did great work here.

GOOD LUCK AND KEEP UP GOOD WORK!

 

 

Thanks for the great at advice, and might I add that the example hair you did looks absolutely gorgeous

[Casy 238]

Thanks for the great at advice, and might I add that the example hair you did looks absolutely gorgeous

 

Thank you, i hope this will help you

[SFyr 1,982]

@@Casy, as a random passer-by, I have to say it's really awesome that you took the time to put that much thought into your critique.   Definitely has a lot more substance than the typical written critique. Again, quite awesome of ya.

Anyways, whatever I was gonna point out has been covered and more.

Good luck, Vixxen, with improving your skills and growing as an artist.   Keep drawing and experimenting!