CGMythology's Sketchbook (nudity)

Time for a new illustration!  I wanted to do something within my comfort zone so this is a more of a portrait piece.  The inspiration came from this photo here that I used as reference for the general pose... although I didn't want to do a direct study/copy so I opted for a more dynamic feel when sketching it, and also chose to depict a woman instead as I really enjoy portraying strong women.  Overall I'm quite happy with the sketch but I wanted to hear any input before I begin the process of painting it in, so if something feels off please let me know!  Below is the sketch:

 

 

I like the choice of her looking down on the viewer rather than the straight on look in the reference. The one minor thing that I'd consider if that he probably has "gnarlier" hands than a woman and she also has gloves on top, so maybe soften that "bump" between her thumb and wrist somewhat?

The cross-guard on your sword looks a little odd as it is positioned on one side of the blade. Normally the blade runs through the centre (you can see it in your reference).

Charlotte:  Thank you, I feel the pose is more dynamic as well, didn't want to follow the reference too closely in that regard.  I revised the hand, hopefully it looks better now that it's painted, please let me know!


Banj:  I revised the sword, not sure if I fixed what you stated but please let me know and I'll refine it further if necessary!


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Went ahead and painted the image in.  The painting process went very smoothly luckily and I'm quite happy with how the image turned out.  I'm open to feedback so if something feels off please feel free to let me know!  Below is the current progress followed by the steps for those interested:
   

 

The hand/glove looks better, and the issue Banj pointed out looks better as well although I think the blade could still be placed slightly higher compared to the hilt.

The one thing that really looks off to me now is the line of trees in the background. They way they're just the same tree in one sweeping line makes them look like a modern world tree plantation, which doesn't really fit the fantasy theme. I think they'd benefit from breaking up that "blurred motion effect" and made to look like a greater variation of sizes and shades instead.

Charlotte:  Great feedback as always!  Went ahead and added some variation to the trees, looks much more natural now so great call!  Also did some other minor improvements.  I think I call it finished now!

 

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Next up a bunch of lighting studies.  Been very productive the last few days so I'm quite happy with these and learned a bit from them as well:

 

 

 

Any second now that cylinder is going to fall off of that cube... any second, keep watching 

Banj:  LOL I can't unsee that now

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I'm doing a crapload of anatomy studies traditionally which I'll be posting soon and I'm learning quite a bit.  For now I thought I would take a small break from them and try out a new illustration.  Here's a sketch of Spider-Woman.  The pose was referenced from this photo here .  I just wanted to hear any input before I begin to paint it in, so if something feels off please let me know!


    

Good work on the foreshortening and her facial expression

I do think her leg looks a bit like a weird uni-boob, and as you have changed and angled her bum somewhat from the ref I think you should also angle the leg/thigh a bit. It would perhaps hide most of it behind her hair but it would also be a chance to show more clearly that it IS a leg. The other leg should be slightly visible below the buttock to our right, as well. You see it on the ref though unfortunately the exact lines are hidden by her clothes.

Charlotte:  Your feedback is 100% on point!  I updated the sketch and fixed all the areas mentioned, please let me know if it's OK now!