[devilmech]

ok, I'm very new to digital painting. So be nice

Anyway, I started this painting from a line drawing I did of a photograph. THis is my first digital painting, so I figured being the super talented guy that I am, it would be cake. Guess I'm not so talented.

I've shaded the legs so far, and I've gotten the skirt as best as I can, but I'm still not satisfied with it. And I started to block in the tones for the abdomen, and will start on the hands and arms after that.

Like I said, the legs are really the only thing I'm satisfied with so far.

I could really use some help with my technique, so if anyone has any tips on how to shade any part of this better, please share

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[Robbo]

I dont claim to be a proffessional or anything, but heres my observations anyways:

* I think the legs are off to a great start. I think if you made the highlight broader it would make her legs look less like they are something with a varnish(i didnt see the original photo so i dont know if the girl ha d a shine on her legs from a cream or whatnot..)
* It seems as though the abdomen has been exagerated too much.. If it were my drawing, i would prob get the colour inbeteen the skin colour you have chosen, and the colour of the shading of the abs and use that to do your initial shading. In my experience, i have found that it can be very detrimental to go straight to the darkest level of shading. Instead go up the levels of shading one at a time. Also, when doing so, make the shading very minimal and make it smooth(dont just chuck it on like some people do otherwise you may think it looks bad and lose interest in continuing).

Anyways, like i said, im not a professional but i hope that was of some help as thats just the way i draw.

[Robbo]

Also, (something i thought of later) try using your layers in Photoshop and make outlines of the body(like the fingers and stuff like that) and then just turn the opacity down. All i can really suggest is to stick with it and it should turn out great.

[EviLToYLeT]

looks like you got some drawing experience eh ?

Hrmm -- to be honest, this is what most of my pictures look like when I first start -- but one thing that I should warn you about is try not to finish one part ahead of the others. It looks nice and feels nice -- great sense of accomplishment, but sometimes it can be a nuisance.

The perferred method I use is to block in the big color areas at 100% opacity and their shapes ( highlights, base , shadow). Then after that, it's easier to see if everything fits right , or if anything needs to be changed -- like maybe position of arm. And then I just make passes on it over and over , being careful to do all parts equally. That way, when I'm finished -- all parts look equally complete -- and if I decide to stop halfway through, it still looks cool and artistic.

I think you have an excellent start right now -- just keep working on it, and eventually develop your own methods.
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AIM: EviLToYLeT

[CwStone]

Yea i used to try and do section by section like u until AndyT set me straight. Now i block in and shade the whole pic before goin in with the finishing touches, and, i might add, it looks a hell of a lot better. I think thats the best approach. But those legs do look great, very realistic. The only advice i can give about the skirt is to give it more universal shading, like u did w/ the legs. Make the shaded parts darker and the lighter parts lighter. And with the rest up i say just keep on with what u got goin--it should look really nice when finished.
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-Chase