Cosmos Calamari

[Parasect]

Ok this is the finally product of a sketch i was working on yesterday.

A total of 15 hours on Photoshop was put into this (yeah... im a noob). So im looking for some input on how to improve on my coloring/shading.

And of course, all crits are highly appreciated.

Thanks a lot

[Kaffinated]

Im having a hard time trying to establish a dominate light source in this img. It would be good to establish were the light is coming from first and foremost and then try to think how values would shift from light to dark in the img with a light source established.

[Lawvalamp]

In this piece, you need to establish a light source, and from there, use that light source to control the viewer's attention.

I would suggest using the fiery explosion being made the the ship firing its cannons.

From there, use that light to render/paint/draw the image.

[Hexokinase]

Studying form life is the best way to learn how colors work.

Check out the tutorials section of this site if you haven't done so already.

Also, there's a link to Prometheus' tutorial in my sig. Check that out as well.

[Parasect]

hey thanks a lot guys.

Lawva- thanks. i didnt think of that before. ill try that out.

Havoc- can you made direct me to a tutorial that would benefit me the most? it woul be most helpfull

[Hexokinase]

Really all of the stickied tutorials have something to offer. Whenever you have the time, you should read them all in depth.

As stated before, the most important tutorial for both beginners and intermediates IMO is Prom's tutorial. I recommend reading it several times over an extended duration to absorb everything. It's really dense with material.

Matt Dixon's mini tutorial provides insight into compositional designing that's helpful.

The following two are great for seeing the painting process of professionals:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=56806
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45901

Mind that no tutorial will make you a better artist. Rather, they provide insight into methods and theories that are helpful. Ultimately, practice makes perfect.