value study

lmrush

So I can't remember where I learned this or if I figured it out on my own.. anyway thought I would share, it is an easy way to trial values, I start with a sketch add a toned (multiplied) layer, then just erase out with different opacity levels, anyway it works for me I wanted to share incase anyone else finds this helpful, I find erasing faster than drawing in for some strange reason -This is my first and plan to try others. See you at 3 pm EST today for the webinar! If anyone else has other quick value study methods please share!

lmrush

Another version of value. I find this stage difficult -how many do you do? any input on value process and how to decide is appreciated. Thanks

lmrush

color studies, any direction appreciated, thanks!

lmrush

2

lmrush

3

Rich Green

@lmrush Hi Lisa! I think the version with the green chair is almost too much green with it also matching the foliage. And while I know that orange is a compliment color to the blue of Alice's dress, I for some reason am the most drawn to this interesting bold and muted rose red color. So I am leaning towards this one, but will be curious to see what others think!

Sarah LuAnn

I like the last! It feels really left heavy to me with the colors and values as you have them though.

lmrush

@Rich-Green thanks!

lmrush

@lmrush Thank you Sarah, my plan was to for text on the right, I will add some to see if it balances it a bit more, happy to see you back in the forum can't wait to see more of your work

RobinSlee

I hope you dont mind, but I wanted to describe something and using an image is way easier....
I wanted to explain about leading the viewers eye around an image using composition and 'invisible shapes'.

Notice in the image below, how all of the shapes you are using have a direction or are pointing one way or another?
The ears are pointing one way, the girl is leaning one way, the knife is doing the same etc....
At the moment, they are leading the viewers eye (subconciously) away from the center of interest, in this case the girl and the rabbit.

I think with a couple of tweaks you could turn this to your advantage and create a sprial that always leads back to the couple.
I hope it helps? Regards, Rob.

lmrush

@RobinSlee Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much I totally see it. I have never heard this before and if I have learned it I don't remember-thank you so much for this!!!!!!

lmrush

@RobinSlee I am so glad my son didn't nap today otherwise I already would have started painting it, thanks again!

RobinSlee

@lmrush Not a problem, glad I could help. If you wanted a 'bonus tip' then consider 'scale'. If you notice right now, the main characters of the scene are very small, they only occupy a small percentage of the screen real-estate. Notice how the cake is bigger than they are. This sense of scale can be used to pull focus towards something interesting. I would perhaps make the cakes slightly smaller and the characters slightly larger. If you combine this with re-arranging them as mentioned, I think you will have a real winner! Good luck.

lmrush

@RobinSlee thank you!

lmrush

Finished my watercolor version, I implemented a lot of your suggestions, thank you so much, the arm chair came out a little lighter so I increased saturation and darkened in photoshop but the rest is original colors

kimchizerbe

love this.

lmrush

@kimchizerbe thank you!

RobinSlee

Came out super

lmrush

@RobinSlee thank you, there were more directional changes I could have made, but now that you shared that tip with me I will keep it in mind with my next one-thank you again for your help!