[Spiral]

I'm reading through a book on color theory and it basically starts with monocromatic images. Challenging enough I'd say. The book explains what neutral colors are and how to get to them from pure color and shows that painting such images use the values of pure color and neutrals.

I began a little sketch and set out to make a monocromatic image of a ninja turtle. And now, although I'm not very far into making the image, I'm stuck. There are alot of things that bother and puzzle me with this image (besides it being sloppy) and I can't quite place it, so I'd like an opinion or two and maybe some advice on how I should continue this image, before asking any questions on the things that puzzle me.

http://spiralarchitect.freewebspace.com/images/tmnt.jpg

[Darkside]

the lighting looks ok, but you use only few values. not wrong, but looks very graphik-like. just keep on going
could you say which book you are reading? I�m looking for a color theory one by myself.

[Spiral]

Well, as I said, I haven't worked on this so of course I'm not using many values yet, I don't want to go on before I fix what's bothering me.

I don't know, but something doesn't seem quite right. I have looked at the image again and again, I am getting the feeling that there are areas that are getting more attention than the main character. I wanted to keep the colors of the character pure to gain more attention from the greyed colors around it. But due to reasons of light there were changes. Still I am getting the feeling that the surroundings should be changed but I can't quite figure out to what.

I am thinking of using some different blue. So far, all that is being used is a pure blue being greyed and darkened or lightened. But I am thinking of using some cooler blues in the background and warm the dark blues in the character a bit. Does that seem correct?

As for the book, I have begun reading Stephen Quillers' Color Choices. The only one I could get from those that were recommened. Still, after the first chapter that explained some color theory and what greyed colors are, I began to understand some stuff I have read about greys in color being very important. Also in the images I have from other artists, I noticed that colors greyed with a compliment are what is used mainly. It's terrific!

[Darkside]

/edit: ups, wrong thread

[Darkside]

btw, I bought the book "color choices" now too. Hope it gets here soon

[Spiral]

OK, here's an update, not too much and that's because I'm stuck.

I checked it again and again and decided that the values weren't correct the first time so I changed them a bit. Also I began using some cooler and warmer blues. I haven't worked on the background too much but I know what else I'll be changing, but before that I am eager to move on with the character a little more.

I wanted to smoothen the color on him. I checked it out and I am now puzzled. I looked at his shell on his chest and abs. That's a dark grey. The shadow on it is a little darker but it has blue in it.

Now, my problem is how to smoothen the colors from the dark blue to the lighter blueless grey? Did I screw up with the color selection? I put a cool blue tint to the shadow from intuition, it seemed proper, but now I can't figure out what color I must use between to two. Have I done something wrong or is there a way out?

I swear, I've spent more time looking at this thing and thinking, and looking at other paintings to find solutions in them, than actually painting. Is this healthy for my second attempt at color?

http://spiralarchitect.freewebspace.com/images/tmnt2.jpg

[math]

maybe just try out some colors ;p u can still undo it
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quit pro quo