Cthulu-like piece done from thumbnail

[undeamed]

I worked on this piece in mypaint, the thumbnail being done only seconds before the refined part. It took me around an hour and a-half. I was using a Wacom Bamboo Pen-&-touch with touch off. I'm not sure what but I have the feeling something's off but I can't put my finger on it.


I'd like the critiques to be as specific as possible. thankyou.

[Griffonnage]

Hello
I think your main problem is that you rushed to the detail step without finishing the anatomical one. Try to not skip these steps, you need to come with a solid anatomical drawing (or at least blocked volumes) or you will have difficulties to create a 'readable' character.

Try to understand your little Chtullu as a composite of simple shapes. Then decide on the light direction and paint according to the shapes volumes. Here for exemple, the light come from somewhere top but there are no casted shadows, no sense of the shapes on the body itself.
A top-behind light is not the best solution to push a character volume you should maybe reconsider it and try to do a volume study before. That will help you with the perspective of the body and will be simplier for the lighting part.

[undeamed]

Thank-you for the criticism. I hadn't really thought about the lighting during the piece and I'll be sure to continue developing my skill with lighting.

[Slothboy3000]

It'd be a good idea to make a sculpture and study it under different lighting conditions for reference.