[Switch]

I used small photos as reference for the two pics below and I think they're a success. When I try to paint from a larger reference picture however my colour choice is terrible. I dont seem to be able to break down the many colours I see and use fewer colours in the picture, If you know what I mean. Can someone explain how to spot the right colour when there is so many slight variations visible?

I hope Im making sense, anyway heres the pics.

A martial arts guy:]



And this strange santa-fe museum:



thanks

[Mr. T]

Try squinting or blurring the pic. It usually helps to get the main values/colors.

[Golongria]

Yay for New Mexico!!!
Err...nice job on these...they look fine to me, although the santa fe one is rather bland. Keep it up.
-Matt

[corvax]

I really like the composition on the martial arts guy; very dynamic. It looks to me like the sword is a bit low in the crook of his arm - perhaps going through it? However, this is a very minor detail.
Nice work!

[silber]

quote: Try squinting or blurring the pic. It usually helps to get the main values/colors.

to be honest I wouldn't start blurring -usually pics tend to become...well..blurry.
Blur can be a good tool but IMHO it shouldn't be used to hide the lack of colors.
I like the first-colors seem to be good for me too

[SynrrG]

Dunno if this helps, but when I have a problem with that I scan in the pic to photoshop and cheat!