Critique Request: Living Underwater
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Hi everyone, just wondering if I could get some feedback on my submission for the May art prompt. I'm going for a cartoony/cel shaded look. I'm happy with the rendering so far, but I'm looking to add more interest to the image.
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@brettb_draws It looks great, I really like how you colored everything. I wonder if the surface of the water should be line-less, and then just objects like the boat and sub would have that? Also, I think it needs a main character in or on the sub worried or not yet aware of danger.
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@brettb_draws Cool picture! The colors are nice. I think it needs more of a story though. Maybe some interaction between the characters. You've got an octopus and some birds but they're not really doing any actions. The round window of the submarine could have a person's face looking at the octopus with a worried expression. Show something that is about to happen or something that has just happened. Also remember that the prompt is Living Underwater not just Underwater. So there needs to be a living creature doing or feeling something. Great start!
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@reberlik great idea, I think several seagulls could be looking down worried at the octopus
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@brettb_draws I think the colors and style are really unique and interesting!
I am not sure what the story is supposed to be, so maybe there is something to be added there. Is it that the shark, octopus, etc are a danger to the inhabitants of this submarine? If so, maybe putting slightly more detail on these or maybe adjusting their poses to be more threatening?
I also agree with @kayleenartlover that the water surface being line-less would be more visually pleasing.
One more thing is that it's not clear to me why the water's surface is not flat. Is it a wave or a temporary bubble caused by the sub re-surfacing? Might just be me, but it struck me when I saw the piece.Love where it's going and I look forward to seeing more!
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I think the shapes, colors and movement are effective and appealing. I didn't realize that the underwater shapes were an octopus and shark until I read other people's comments. Perhaps they could use a little more line definition. I realize you are making a distinction between objects above and below the water line. I can see that in the translucent piece of water where the boat is sitting. But I feel that the linework should be similar to the underwater part of the sub, maybe blue and wavy? And I agree with other commenters that a stronger narrative would add interest.
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Update so far. Still have to add some more narrative.
Thanks so much for all the feedback everyone! @kayleenartlover @jenn @makekong @reberlik @skeletortoise
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@brettb_draws the underwater life definitely reads better now!