[J. Der]

I'm doing a project in one of my illustration classes -- The topic was create a symbolic piece about life, and another about death. I've started my death one and have gotten quite far, but am now at the point where I would like some outside opinions.

Small Version:
http://www.geocities.com/parabola13/Deadrsmall.html

Large Version:
http://www.geocities.com/parabola13/Deadr.html


I have a few questions, but first let me say that I did have referance for the hilt of the sword, but nothing more than that.

Here is what I would like opinions on, if you all wouldn't mind helping a student out.

- The blood, is it fairly obvious that it's a bird/dove? I hope so.

- I've been wrestling with myself, trying to make a decision whether or not to add some sort of color to the now white backround. I like the intense contrast the white gives with the red, but I feel that it may need some sort of, "oomph". I was thinking of coming in on all four corners with a very, VERY faint blue -- But I don't plan to do anything more drastic than that. After all, I don't want to mud up the message conveyed in this piece.

-Anyone think the blood can be changed to look better? I was thinking of having the blood almost spraying down past the hilt of the sword, using my standard speckle technique. What do you all think? Should I add highlights to certain speckles?

-Finally, I was thinking that some sort of border would look good as well, if, of course, I chose to keep the backround stark white. I was considering maybe a modest black border that feel behind the sword but in front of the blood stain. Any opinions on that possibility?

Thanks everyone, you're all a great inspiration to me and all your comments are very welcome.


Much gratitude,

-JD

[Lexmir]

im not the one to offer critiques but i would like to say i like this piece...and i think the white background looks nice...no distraction...good work

[Kitamard]

quote

Quote:

..I did have referance for the hilt of the sword,

My friend owns that sword.

quote

Quote:

- The blood, is it fairly obvious that it's a bird/dove? I hope so.

Okay at first when i looked at the images (i didnt read what you wrote jsut jumped right into the pictures) I thought why is the blood behind the hilt??! I was quit confused.. and then i stared at it and i thought it looked like a bird! But it wasnt obvious at first.

quote

Quote:

some sort of border would look good as well

Yes i think a border would look pretty cool with it but im not sure if a modest black would do it. Oh well you can try let me seeee once its done please? Good job! I like it its very nice!!