[attachmentid=5676]Hi. My name is Julia. I am new to this forum and really liked the comments that were made for artists when they post their work. I painted this picture from my imagination. I was watching football with my husband and the camera stayed on a quarterback for just about 3 seconds. I have no idea who the guy was or even if it really looks like anyone, but this is what stuck in my head.

I welcome any and all criticism, comments, and suggestions.

Thanks,

Julia

Julia, I like it and think you have a very unique style and vivid imagination. Great job. Welcome to the forums too by the way.

Thanks Venus

Welcome! I'm pretty new myself.

LOVE the colors you used! Made the painting quite unique. The proportions of the horse's head is a bit off but you were working from your imagination. I can't draw a horse at all, let alone an imagined one. Because you did the painting with a limited pallette, there is a not a clear enough focal point. Perhaps you can add new colors or really push the darkest darks and the lightest lights? Still, pretty amazing that you can draw something from a 3 second footage on TV. Good job!

Welcome to Drawspace! It has a cool look.
Paulette

Thanks! I wonder which proportion of the horse's head would you change if it were yours? I think maybe the eyes are not too well done, but I couldn't find a picture that matched what I had in my head--maybe my head is a little crooked
Julia

I love this kind of work .. not everything needs to look realistic ...this is the kind of work you see hanging in galleries .
the horses ears seem a bit small but for this type of picture its ok

http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?...si&img=2519
http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?...=si&img=944
http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?...si&img=8998
A couple of references.
Paulette

Yeah...the eyes are the what bugged me. And at where the horse's head meats the man's, the shadow seems a bit inconsistent, making the horse head seem narrower than it is. Paulette gave some lovely samples, so I'm sure you can fix the problem.

Paulette and Muffin top,
Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. I value them because I didn't like something about the picture, but seemed to be blinded to what it was.

I have in mind a picture of a horse that I used to have. I can remember him reaching lovingly over my shoulder kind of like that. The horse is gone now, but I still have that picture in my mind, just the details are fuzzy. These photos are helpful. I think maybe I'll try to fix it soon. (Right after I finish these house plans!)

Julia, I think your drawing is just great. Welcome and I hope you show us more of your work.

Judyvan

I agree with Kim..it has a great abstracty unrealistic look that is what makes it stand out. I don't really see any reason to fix it unless you want to try and start over and do it more realisticly by fixing things here and there. I mean we are all entitled to our own opinions but mine would be maybe touch up the shadow as suggested but leave everything else alone. Its what makes it unique and I usually don't like abstract as much as I love this picture.

Thanks to all of you for your kind and helpful thoughts! I'm excited!

I actually wouldn't change the proportions or anything. This is almost surreal and has a touch of the abstract. If your goal is realism then ...yes, fix the proportions, but you if intended to create your own style and whimsical feel, don't change the execution, it's working really well for you here.

The problem I have is that it looks unfinished, someone already hit the nail on the head...more contrast. More darks. The colors are beautiful, absolutely love them, but they are all mostly middle values. I like the highlights, want to see more of that, and want some darks for the crevices, shadows, etc. Don't over do it, I think you just need a few strategically placed shadows.

I admire you for being so open to criticism. Keep up the inspirational work.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've been mulling them over and will post a picture when I do get around to making the changes. Ya'll (all ya'll, or you guys, or... well, you get the idea) are awesome!

Julia, I wouldn't change a thing, I like it just the way it is. It's almost like something you'd see in a dream, I think surreal is the most appropriate description. I love it! I sure couldn't do that from 3 seconds on a tv screen! By the way, welcome to the forum, everyone here is very supportive and so helpful. I've learned alot here. Can't wait to see more, Elizabeth