I have 638 followers on Pinterest. Am
I missing a source of people that would like my work? I just pin because i like it and keep all my reference together. Should I post my artwork there?

I was thinking what @Art-of-B Said. It depends on who your character is. I think you can convey lots of emotions with the bean. I was first drawn to the 2nd one, but then I started to figure out what each body type seemed like. The bean seems like a stuffed animal and the 2nd like a personified panda. I like the plushy bean best!

The more realistic in nature the more the reader will identify as the character. The more abstract the reader will think of it as their stuffed animal coming to life. I totally made all that up. Sounds like it makes sense to me.

If you are uneasy about the bean maybe do more bean sketches? Keep trying to make the bean work until it’s “the one.” However, I’m a fan. I like the bean as it is.

@demotlj non stop! I love Pinterest! I have boards for figure, landscapes, animals, flowers, and things (like cars and stuff). Oh yeah, lettering, ink, food and a few other random ones like Christmas and kids stuff. It’s so nice to refer back to images and not have to recollect when starting something new.

Honestly, I can live without all social media but Pinterest. Well, that’s the last one I would give up.

@KathrynAdebayo absolutely! I think your skill
Level is certainly there. Your work is very beautiful. Now it’s time to create a portfolio that is a bit more consistent. Even if it does have watercolor and the acrylics in it, I think it needs to show more in each style. That way they know exactly how your watercolors are and how your acrylics are. They are both strong to me! The one with all the people (it looks like a people tree) and the girl with the bird. So beautiful. And the one with the little girl in the woods! Your work certainly fits in with the artists I saw at the kids sxhool scholastic book fair. Graphite is good, but I think lee mentioned publishers like color. So I would start with color images first. Fill in the gaps of your portfolio and you are well on your way!

@dafoota well, maybe my family is a little obsessed with rocky as well. Now I’m watching it. Thanks for the lovely distraction! Ah. Can’t wait to see creed 2.

I don’t know if I’m really right on this, but when you’re just focusing on one character don’t pull the color all the way to the edge. Spot illustrations don’t have to have a full background. Can’t change it in this one, but something to think about.

I agree with lee with the value (of course because he amazing). Indigo is a great dark. I also like sepia. And together they are fabulous. You can go deeper with your values and give the fire a little more impact.

As for the scene... try making all those guys. Go back and pause the movie. Take a picture of it on your phone. No need to reinvent the wheel. I think the feel of how cool those guys were just singing on the street would be much easier to get with all of them there. And maybe a hint of the brick building. It’s a cool scene and all of them in your style might be a great painting. Put a hint of rocko with that fadora and that may be a nice piece of fan art!

No drawing today... but here are my plans for January.

1- make up. Fun! My niece does the makeup tutorials and I’m totally going to make her buddy up with me. She’s gorgeous.

2- honey bees. Cause they are awesome and I need them ready to go for spring. Wouldn’t it be cool to put a packet of wildflowers in the order to save the bees!

3- collaboration with an awesome 16 year old friend who has a YouTube channel around American girl dolls. We all wish to have her following. I’m going to paint a few of her dolls. Then maybe make a free printable for her people. Like a paper doll type thing. They can be the fashion designer and color the inked linework.

4- purses and shoes. I’m dreaming about going to my sister in laws and snapping pictures of all her fabulous treasures. It seems like very chic collection.

So- no drawing today. Folding laundry and doing dishes. But I can brainstorm for when after Christmas paintings are done. And get distracted by the forum!

@Art-of-B dude, that’s an amazing list right there! Knock it out of the park!

Happy painting friends!

Would anyone like to share a picture their booths? I would be great to see how everyone sets up their tables!

Oh my gosh! Sorry. I got so offended with an unsolicited critique on the forum. I’m Sorry. Your post wasn’t harsh. See what happens when something gets critiqued you weren’t expecting. My claws came out. Yikes. I apologize. My art, I can take harsh words, but our forum is awesome. I got a little defensive. Momma bear came out!

It’s really cool to interact with artists that are really making huge accomplishments with their art, to the hobbiest like myself just trying to get a little better. We all learn. It’s good stuff.

Yeah, be specific. Build relationships with others here. I don’t have time to do an ridiculously long crit “just because”. If you’re looking for something specific it is much easier. In the 10000000 hour podcast jake talks about focus your practice in something specific. Then, bring it here and others can say if you’re accomplishing that goal. Also, if you hear crickets the art isn’t resonating with others. Another thing is not say, “ l’ve come to this forum and notice all you guys do pats on the back for participation (edited this part because I’m just a nice fluffy person and don’t want to come across as a not nice), where can I find a forum that’s not you that is better at critiquing, because y’all suck?” How bout that for honest? Invest the time here and you may find it helpful. Good luck in your search for honest feedback. You can also do live corses. I would bet they are worth every penny to have feedback by masters of the trade and subject.

Congrats guys! Magical work! As for the first place... there are so many happy little treasures in the entire piece. So beautiful. @Sarah-LuAnn , but she still seems pleased with her work, as grueling as it is. Which is still nice. @Squirrelsize - we all know I liked it so much I bought the shirt! Ha!