Ok so it took me a few days to complete this painting. I like it even though it came out looking cartoonie. I hope there is someone out there that know alot about painting who can give their advice and critisism. Both are welcome. I basically retaught myself how to paint and had fun trying. I guess thats what matters most. trying to make it look real life was extremely hard. hope everyone likes it...
~Venus~

Venus.... Nothing wrong with this....especially for a new (again) piece. Is this acrylic? I like the mottled/colored background, and your work on the shading, and values is a good beginning. For more realism I would suggest painting in layers. Laying dark underpaintings for the various subjects and building the lights from there.

Dragonshade,
I have no idea how to build up color. Yes it is acrylic. I just blended and painted I tried to build up shading by going and retouching up after. Also I have a question because I take it you like to paint with Acrylic? Do you start with the back ground first or just with the main subject of the painting?
~Venus~

Yes Venus you are correct....acrylics I love. If you're interested in learning how to build subjects in layers of highlights for realism I urge you to go back through the general section.... I have 3 or more wips (works in progress) showing this rather step by step. One is Nature's Fury, others are study of trees and bark, home sweet home, and mountains. Some are a few pages back by now I'm sure.

Yes, you want to start with the furtherest things away (usually the BG), and bring everything in as it comes forward from there. For having no knowledge of acrylics you've done well with this. Once you gain some further understanding of the medium you'll really progress.


Ray