The Colonel third update, bg overhaul...almost done!

[AdventDawn]

This is probably one of the first things I've worked on after some extensive color and lighting studies, so I'm kinda ancy and would greatly appreciate if someone could help address what needs fixing or changing before I march on from here. Proportions and foot position are another concern of mine as well. Oh - in case your wondering what the hell is going on back there in the bg I plan on turning the strokes in the background into a sort of drapery . Anyways, much appreciated for any input as to where to go from here.

I figure I repost the second update in the op for an easier comparison.

[Duman]

Neat. Effective, and pretty convincing. The upper background section is getting in the way, and is distracting, so I would change that.
The figure in general is pretty good. I see no real proportion problems, and his pose fits the character well. I know what kind of pants he wears, but that angle on his left leg looks too dramatic. It might be a little too large. The only other thing is the sunglasses. Does not say Colonel to me. Says african militia. Colonel would be a barett or some kind of communication apparatus.
Other than those minor quirks, I think it looks really good.

[Benjaminba]

It's looking great! I think you managed to capture a slight sci-fi feel, which is impressive since there are no obvious elements pointing in that direction.

There's just a few things that need fixing at this point, far as I can tell. Mainly, his left legs bends too much at the knee, as Duman remarked. Secondly, I don't think the foreshortening/angle on his lower left arm is working; it looks wonky. Try elongating it a bit and straightening it out - this naturally means you need to push back his elbow so that the angle between his lower arm and upper arm is wider.

Hope you understand that explanation Good luck!

[Venger]

Actually I quite like the looseness of the BG.
As for the figure - not a lot wrong in my opinion, perhaps a tad short in the lower leg, especially the left leg (though everyone varies to some degree).
I think your 'jack boots' come up to high, but maybe that's personal choice.
The hanging cloth on the left is a distraction, it kind of looks like an empty sleeve (obviously you're working on this so I'll see where you take it)

Looks good, I like the Greek styling to it. Perhaps you could echo that in his walking stick (something Columnular maybe)

Redline to 7 1/2 heads
(these are JMO feel free to ignore )

[AdventDawn]

thanks a ton for the feedback guys. Duman and Benjaminba, good job pointing that stuff out for me on the elbow and leg, I knew something was a bit off. And Venger, you rock for the paintover, and great idea with the column/cane

[Venger]

I love the hoplite floor, I'll borrow that idea if I may?

Little ideas for some smaller details:
a laurel wreath running around his shoulder epaulette, rather than rope (more Ancient Greek stuff)
Maybe the jack boots are more 'greaves' or are tooled leather.
Medals shaped like Hoplons (shield) or Helmets.

just thoughts.

[AdventDawn]

thanks again for all the feedback so far guys. Here's an update, although I had got much of a chance to work on it at all as much as I would have liked. Still alot of refinement and fixes needed.

[Venger]

He might need some shadow to ground him on the groundplane and even though I sketched it that way that left heel needs to rise just a bit (JMO)
wouldn't his hand be on the holster rather than behind?
Is he chewing on a match or am I seeing things?
Looking great though.

[Mitchello]

This is coming along nicely. I think I like him facing the way you had it the first time. it made him look more forboding. this is because we read left to right (in the western world) it's used in theatre and staging as well.(or is he a good guy?...)

[Duman]

Venger, your seeing things bud! Although that could be a cool addition. The lack of shadow was the first thing I noticed. And it is indeed looking better, the background works very well now. Just adding the last few detailed touches to the holster and clothing pieces and its looking gold. Really nice job with the face.

[AdventDawn]

ok, you got me seriously considering adding in a toothpick or something heres another meager update. Finals are finally over with so hopefully this wont be drawn out much longer. I added a hat, figure it would help give some balance or something. a positive addition? thanks again for the input so far.

[Venger]

Ah you updated your first post.

Lose the hat he looks like something from Village people now

[Duman]

What, venger, don't like handle bar mustaches? I have always been a fan of peaked hats like that. However, I think the hat and glasses clash, like two different styles, the 90's and 40's clashing. And the bill comes down over his face too much.

[Sidharth Chaturvedi]

That's pretty wicked, love the concept and atmosphere. And the boots, for some reason.

The one place that's lacking a bit, I think, is his right arm. It looks like the modeling there wasn't done quite as well, and it doesn't look very separate from the cloth that's hanging there. Great work otherwise.