Canyon

[tastyrice]

Finally decided it was time I get serious and good at doing some 2d artwork. Decided to work on my weakness, which would be environmental, color, and lighting. Very WIP and need some crits before I go any further. I'm not good when it comes to color or interesting lighting.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/sugar_in_my_tea/canyonrawr.jpg

Inspired by ROok's Stranger's In A Strange Place.

http://www.gameartisans.org/contests/minis/uploaded_images/Strangersinstrangeland-2D-painting-Strangersinstrangeland-136-img_50f995382.jpg

[Axios]

The first thing I see other than the general WIP-ness, is the very analogous color scheme you have now. In itself, that could work, but I'd say that the strength in your reference picture is the contrasting warm and cool colors from a strong light source. If you want to match that more, now would be a good time to define the light source and some more splashes of color. I do really like the strong vertical format. While it isn't natural for most games, it'd be nice to see a piece done like this. Good work.

[tastyrice]

Thanks for the crits Axios :)
Redid the colors.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/sugar_in_my_tea/canyon2.jpg

Bleh yeah I really didn't stray to far from the source this time....

[Fishypants]

I really wouldn't say "inspired" as it is more imitated. Its exactly like the original except flipped horizontally. Try adding things that make the piece your own. Take the vertical aspect of the piece into account, and the cliff idea but run with it, and add your own thoughts / ideas / designs. Right now its just a copy of the original.

[Snader]

or call it a study, and do a tonne of these fast, to get an understanding of what makes the colors work in the pieces you like.

[tastyrice]

yeah I'm gonna run with study. I'm really not all that great at choosing colors for myself or trying to create interesting lighting.

[tastyrice]

Quicky little update
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/sugar_in_my_tea/canyon3.jpg

[Axios]

I definitely like this more. It certainly is a unique composition that still plays to the strengths of your reference. I look forward to seeing this as you define your forms and shadows further.

[tastyrice]

Thanks once again Axios :)
Update:
nothing drastic but just small updates here and there.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y134/sugar_in_my_tea/canyonprogress.jpg

[ZacD]

I liked that bridge :(

[tastyrice]

lol the perspective always seemed to be off whenever I tried working on it :X so took the easy way out and removed it.

[warby]

i definitly like the direction this is heading into now :)

[Mark Dygert]

Now we're talking inspired, I like what you've got going =)