Hi

I've been working on this drawing for quite a while now and I can't seem to get it to look as good as I would want it to. My guess is that the mountains and the water need to be soften but I'm not sure it will be enough. Can you enlighten me with your artistic eye? I can't post an original since this is a merge of pictures, but I would want it to look as real as possible.

Thank you for helping me get better

Well, for me, I think the biggest problem is lack of contrast between the sails and the backdrop of water and mountains. They don't "pop". Since the boat's hull is so very dark, you definitely have room to make the water darker to contrast with the sails. You might do the same to the closest mountains, letting the farther ones remain light.

Ernest,
I understand your point, however, I'm not sure how you are suggesting to make the sails pop out. Are you saying that I should make their surrounding darker? Or should I just make them darker? I agree for the closer mountains, in the initial picture they are much farther then in my drawing hence lighter in shade. I will work on that.

Thanks

Nathalie

PS: I read in a thread how to make pictures look better (not grainy like this one), butI can't find it back. Any help?

I am suggesting that you make the water and the closest mountains all darker, so the lighter value of the sails stands out. The water would be darker than the sails, but lighter than the hull of the ship.

Ernest,

you're such a help. I did right away what you suggested, since I finally figured out what you meant and it's becoming very very interesting. I rubbed the sail a little bit to add lightness and darkened the surroundings. I still have to work some more but it's already much better.

Your help is very much appreciated. I don't thinkI would have figured out that one.