[convoyrider]

Is this pic alright. I'm new to painting. He doens't look quite solid. it was drawn and painted without looking at references

[Asurfael]

but reference is a good thing. Really. Sure it looks like yoda, and imho you've got a nice style there in the drawing, but it seems somehow wrong. I didn't bother looking at reference when giving critique either, though... You were asking if it's allright? Yea it's allright, but could be better with reference.

[DickCheese]

very yoda-ish

[saladbowl]

Looks like a young Yoda...
Damn, wasn't he kick-ass in the movie?
Can't think it looked silly.
GOOD FUCKIN MOVIE!
Go see it folks!

[wahaca]

I think you draw well. And I won't claim to know a lot about painting, but I will try to help and let you know what I've noticed. Here goes:

The first thing I noticed was that your colors hardly ever get too dark, they are all a wash of the same color. I think it would be better to see a lot more dark coloring. It looks too lit up. Try making your base image a dark layer, then work your way up to lighter ones. Adding light as you go. And very lastly you should add your highlights where you want.

You also use your brush like a pencil. For instance look at the top of Yoda's head. Instead of painting in the contour, you just made lines. Try ditching the lines and, paint in the curves (you know what I mean, make it look like it has contour).

To make Yoda stand out, your background should probably be dark. This will give depth to the image, making Yoda stand out. And keeping the background blurry will work nicely. It looks cool when you don't necessarily paint all the detail for backgrounds, but instead suggest what is there. Slap on the paint (use a lot of pallet knife)! And since it is the background, use lots of dark contours.

Some critiques on image:

Yoda's right ear seems to meld into his face. There is no separation. And Yoda's color around his neck doesn't match. The right side looks like it's puffing out, and the left doesn't. And I can't tell weather the left color is hanging out, or is flush to the skin.

Well, these are my humble suggestions. I don't have much skill. So anyone who sees a problem with my suggestions, please speak up.

And good luck convoyrider, I look forward to seeing your next version!

[convoyrider]

Thanks Wahaca, that's exactly the way I feel about the pic too. I do tend to use the brush like a pen. More things for me to iron out.

[Joachim]

nice, looks like yoda.
But, as others have stated, it needs more contrast and maybe a lightsetting which is more planned.
Actually I did a brushover for another yoda a loooong time ago. It's crap but maybe it will give you an idea.