JULY CONTEST WIP: South Beach

[chrisaakins]

I am about to go on vacation myself after a grueling summer semester. I wasn't able to do the June challenge because of it. Sadness! However, my last project of the semester must involve five hours working with technology. Since I am planning on teaching some basics of digital art to my drawing classes I can count my practice on PS as this project. Woohoo! Hopefully, I can finish this one!

I originally thought to have a giant octopus emerging from the waves on to unsuspecting beachgoers but I thought that would be too cliche. But then I started brainstorming about if your reservations weren't exactly what you had in mind...

So here is my idea: "South Beach!" Hehehehe.

[Chip Valecek]

@chrisaakins that's a great idea. I hope you do find the time to finish it.

[djly]

I love the idea and hope to see the final result!

[braden H]

I was gonna say 'you should have a boat steaming away in the background' but then noticed the float plane takin' off :smiling_face_with_open_mouth_closed_eyes:

This one's gonna look awesome, i think.

[chrisaakins]

Thanks @Chip-Valecek @djly and @Braden-Hallett. I have had several hours to work today and so I worked on the background. I have started my penguins. I added the snow to see what it would like. What do you think so far?

BTW I love your line work @Braden-Hallett and I am curious what brush you use. I am using Kyle's thin to thick but I am not entirely satisfied with it.

[MichaelaH]

@chrisaakins Wow that was quick, great work so far.

[braden H]

@chrisaakins Thanks

I use a custom brush in corel painter. I can't actually remember what I started with since I've modified it so many times over the years. It always looks a little different with different textures, too.

[chrisaakins]

Here is it so far. I still have to add the plane in the background. I feel like it needs something extra to emphasize the people. Almost like they need a warm glow or something. I know there are a couple of tangents (like the dad's foot and the penguin flipper).

Should I darken the lines of the background? I do like the way it gives it a sense of space but maybe they are TOO light.

[chrisaakins]

So I darkened the foreground line and moved the people over and drew highlights on the penguin being chased by the kid. It looks a little better.

[chrisaakins]

Maybe mom just needs a tan....

[braden H]

@chrisaakins I think you're MORE likely to get a sunburn at the south pole that most other places on earth. So she could totally get a tan if she wanted to. She's just freeze to death in the process

[Erin.Cortese]

@chrisaakins This is looking great so far! I’m looking forward to seeing the final. Lol, just scrolled down and saw the updates. Nice work.

[chrisaakins]

Here it is, done-ish, I think. Now I need some critiquing. How is the composition? How does the story read? Does it look polished or amateurish? Is there anything that bothers you about it?

(In other words, "What would @Lee-White say about it" ? ) I think it looks funny and I like it. To me it has kind of a Calvin and Hobbes feels or a "For Better or Worse" feel and those are two of my faves. BUT what are your thoughts O wise and wonderful Forum people?

[KathrynAdebayo]

Hi Chris! This is funny and great! I really like it.

In case it's of any help, here are two things that were part of my initial read of your piece...

To me at least, the map/brochure looks like part of the dad's shirt, but the way he's holding it may contribute to that.

The ice burg touching the dad's head distracts me a bit.

Thanks for sharing... this is really humorous, and I know you're relatively new at digital illustration, so to me it looks excellent.

Edit: One more thing - I'd suggest putting snow strategically in front of the characters or tone it down in other areas of the piece.

[Erin.Cortese]

@chrisaakins I love the addition of the plane, it really finishes it off! There is an out of place line and dot on the arms of the smallest boy, and the father collar bone lines seem a bit out of place too. Otherwise, I really like the feel of this piece.