First Post (newbie) and a couple of sketches (mild nudity)

**Aelis Mikilai** · September 18th, 2007, 10:17 PM

Hello all, this is my first post on CA, so please inform me if I make any stupid mistakes or ask any stupid questions. ^^;;

First sketch is a random zombie lady I drew a while ago... Photoshop 7, no reference.

Second is a somewhat unfinished bust-ish sketch I did today. I'm not very jazzed with it, and therefore probably won't be finishing it. Photoshop 7, no ref (which is probably why I hate it).

So please, tear them apart! Help me be a better artist!

Also, a couple questions: I love to draw people, it's my main thing. However, I don't have access to live models (or anyone willing to sit for me). What is a good way to practice (and improve, hopefully) without copying photographs or drawing a billion self-portraits?

#2: I was thinking of starting a thread in the sketchbook forum not only to get some helpful crits on my stuff, but to kick myself in the butt to draw more. Is there anything inadvisable about a newb such as myself doing that?

**dashinvaine** · September 19th, 2007, 02:03 PM

On the first one, the eye pupil is seen from the front (looking round) but should be seen from the side. There is not enough of the back of the head, either, but aside from that it looks ok. A bit fuzzy.

**Flake** · September 19th, 2007, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Aelis Mikilai

#2: I was thinking of starting a thread in the sketchbook forum not only to get some helpful crits on my stuff, but to kick myself in the butt to draw more. Is there anything inadvisable about a newb such as myself doing that?

Nope, "start a sketchbook" is in fact one of the first things new peeps are usually encouraged to do.

Welcome to the monkey house btw.

**Aelis Mikilai** · September 30th, 2007, 11:18 PM

Much thanks for your replies, both of you. XD

dashinvaine: Yes, I don't think I set up the head with a circle like I normally do, which probably caused the odd-shaped head. I'll have to watch that, thanks for pointing it out.

Flake: Oh, really? That's good; perhaps I will set one up, then. Thank you for your welcome, as well. XD

**Aelis Mikilai** · September 30th, 2007, 11:57 PM

I have another WIP that needs some help, so I thought I'd go ahead and add it to this thread, rather than making a new topic.

This is a (late) b-day present for a friend of mine, and I want it to be good. There's not much I will do about any flaws with the lines at this point, though if there any glaring errors (or not-so-glaring ones, especially) please feel free to point them out for me.

What I mostly need help on is the coloring. I want it to be rather soft and light. Problem is, there doesn't seem to be enough contrast or pizzazz to what I did on the female. Any techniques, tutorials, tips, etc. you can point me to? I would be eternally grateful.

The characters, FYI, are Ashley Graham and Luis Sera from Resident Evil 4, which is a pairing my friend is fond of. And out of curiosity, are there any restrictions, rules, etc. to the posting of fanart on this site?