Star in the water WIP
-
Hi.
This may be my last contest entry in a long time, so I wanted to take the full opportunity to learn from others on the forum along the way. This image was one that kind of popped into my head. It’s a kid and a grown up in a boat. The boy is scooping up one of the reflections of the stars on the water, but amazingly, he can actually hold it. Do you think there should be more of a story here, or is simple good?Here’s a sketch.
-
@KathrynAdebayo there is definitely a story there! That is a fun, quiet story. I really like it.
I would suggest doing some thumbnails and playing with perspective, camera angle, and values. You might get a lot more bang for you buck if you zoomed in on the subjects too.
-
@KathrynAdebayo Fun idea! I like it!
-
@Frogpunzel Thank you for your input!
@theprairiefox Thank you, I think you’re completely right. I did some more thumbnails and worked out this sketch afterwords which I like better, but I was hoping for a more unique viewpoint and ended up with a pretty straight on shot. I’ll probably try again.
-
I think i like this idea better. Any advice?
-
@kathrynadebayo I like the latest composition and how the kid is peering over the edge. I think the real trick will be selling the reflection, maybe include a reflection of a face or two.
-
@matthew-oberdier Hi Matthew! Thank you so much for the advice. That is a really great idea. I'll definitely do that!
-
This concept is so magical I love it~! I personally would love to see more of the water since that's where the magic is. I also wonder if it would add more interest if we're further along in the moment where they've already collected a few (or a bunch!) of stars already and they are heaped on the boat with them. And they could be a variety of sizes (and maybe colors??).
Here are some other compositions I found on Pinterest that I feel would work really well:
With this one I can totally see there being a lot of stars at the front of the boat and less stars behind the boat since they've collected a lot of them already.
This one is just an example of a view that shows more of the water that would be filled with a variety of stars.
Your composition is already really engaging as it is, so feel free to ignore my two cents! Haha. I can't wait to see the finished piece!
-
@aprilshin Hi! Thank you so much for your opinion. I really appreciate that you took the time to find those beautiful reference paintings. I think you’re right - the water deserves more attention. My initial idea was to show the first moment that they discover that the star can be picked up from the water, but your idea about having them already collecting them is fun too. Thanks so much for the food for thought.
-
@kathrynadebayo said in Star in the water WIP:
The boy is scooping up one of the reflections of the stars on the water, but amazingly, he can actually hold it.
Based on your description here, don't lose sight of the fact that your story is the boy's amazement that the star isn't just a reflection, but real. For that I think you need to make the stars in the water clearly more ephemeral (think ripple lines in water) and the one in his hand much more concrete and 3D. I liked that you had zoomed in because that way we got to see the expressions more. Yes, the water and the idea of a star "catch" in the boat are nice additions and might fill out the story, but the focus is the scooping, and the amazement at the difference. I think your last two sketches depict this well, with perhaps the addition of a surprised expression on the child who is doing the scooping. But I think you're getting there!
-
@lauraa Hi Laura, thank you so much for your advice! I really appreciate your input. I agree with what you’ve written here and I think it’s helpful to be brought back to the original intent. I’ve gotten into coloring the most recent sketch a bit and have been working on the expressions, so I’d love to know if you think the girl scooping the star looks surprised enough. I’m also going for a feeling of wonderment.
Thanks again! -
I started coloring this and working on the faces first. Before I get too far along, I’d love to know if there are compositional issues that anyone picks up on. Thanks so much for any advice you feel like sharing.
-
@kathrynadebayo Yes, I do think she looks the right amount of surprised. I am wondering a little bit about the other girl (was it originally a boy?) who has her nose on the boat. She just looks a little uncomfortable to me and the nose looks slightly too adult. A draw through might be worth it on that one.
Would you be seeing a little bit of the underside of Grandma's neck? I really like her expression!
I also like the colors in the sky a lot! Of course, what's really going to make it is that glowing star!
-
@kathrynadebayo Really love this idea!
-
@lauraa You’re so right! I’ve changed that kid again. Hopefully she looks less awkward now. Yes, the characters themselves keep morphing, but I think that’s a fun part of digital art - easy to change!
-
@miranda-hoover Hi Miranda! Thanks for the comment! Your piece looks amazing this month.
-
-
Here’s some more progress. I hope the star stands out enough?
-
I love the one with the man and child - their expressions are wonderful and the composition and perspective really take you into their moment.
-
@helen hello! Thank you for your encouraging words. Maybe I’ll finish that one too at some point.
