I just finished my first drawing using coloured pencils, I don’t think it looks very good so wanted to ask if anyone has any advice to help me improve? (I tried uploading the reference photo but apparently I can only upload one thing at a time as a new user)
2 Likes
jp 101, thank you for your submission. People don’t often associate bravery with those of us who make art; however, putting yourself out there for advice (critique) defines the word brave. Kudos to you.
If I may, please observe the raspberry atop the macaroons and compare it to the raspberries stacked in front of cookies. If I have learned anything from Matt and Ashley as well as observing other artist, value always commands attention. I would suggest that the lower berries would have benefited from a similar rendering to the top most one.
Moreover, I would encourage you to “squint” at your work then do the same with the reference photo. Perhaps you will see the difference in the macaroons themselves both in terms of your darkest darks and your lightest lights. In my own journey, I have discovered that highlights are great fun to add but that, generally, they turn out way brighter than the reference. The darks also compound the problem.
In the main, your first effort at colored pencils makes my first effort with that medium look like “Ned in the first reader!” Judging own’s work negatively is a curse every artist contends with on some level. Based on my observations, your first bodes very well for a bright future for you in colored pencils work. Well done, Please stick with it. Fra Haley (Fred)
1 Like
Thanks Fred. I was quite disappointed with how it turned out and felt a bit demoralised even if it was my first attempt, didn’t really feel like colours were layering and didn’t think it looked very good at all when I finished so was keen to put myself out there and ask for advice as I just want to learn. I’ll maybe try the coloured pencil course and see if that helps.
1 Like
Great job. Keep up you creative abilities