Need advice "Nocturnal"

I need some help deciding if this is “ finished” I used Canson black paper, Prismacolor and Faber Castell pencils. I was going to put in a pastel background but when I did a swatch it just looked dusty. I tried a pastel tool and my finger to no avail. My husband named it “ Nocturnal”. When I took it out of the frame its not so dull looking. Perhaps I just need anti glare glass.

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If you are a member on TVI, you can send your artwork to the Critique for Matt to possibly look it over. What I will say I think that you could make the light source more clear, it looks like it comes from the top right, stronger shadows would help with creating better definition. I think the black background looks good, and the tree branch could have more a light source, but I think it works. If you need help with creating more highlights, you can use Gouache on top to do that.

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This is is so beautiful!

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@Vgentry58 Hello Valery, I would call this done. You did a lovely job and your husband names it perfectly.

I agree with Samuel, If you are a member you should submit it for a critique.

Teri (with 1r)

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I changed the background. I just didn’t like it. I added better highlights. I struggle with showing where the light is coming from. I also changed the matting to bring out the blues in the bird.

@Vgentry58

Hello Valery. The changes are very nice and the blue matting works well with the blue.

Personally I like both renditions and think they both are presented nicely. Since I like working on black paper I do have tendencies toward the darker, black paper version. The bird really pops. they both have a different atmosphere.

What is important is which one you like and that it resonates to you.

I look forward to seeing more of your artwork. I don’t get on here much but try to at least once or twice a week so I’ll keep an eye out for future artwork you post.

Teri (with 1r)

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