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jon brat · Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2003 7:10 am

This is an attempt at a children's book type of illustration. You may have seen some of the progress on this one in the WIP section, but I wanted to post the final here ( thought it might find some new eyes ). Brutally honest crits and critiques are welcomed.

Capt. Fred · Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2003 7:34 am

Trully Wonderful! Great Very Happy

Her feet seem to rest on a differnt plane to his feet... it's not problem though. It could just be me.

Reakshun · Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2003 11:40 am

I like this. It completely fits children's book style illustration. Is this digital or watercolor? It has a watercolor feel to it? Nice, nonetheless.

The only thing distracting me about the piece is the greenish shadow for the folds of the boy's shirt. It matches the color the trees on the right too much. An atmospheric dim of the tree might help or lightening the shadow on the shirt itself.

DL-44 · junior member Member # Joined: 21 Dec 2002 Posts: 26

All in all a nice piece.

Nice easy going feel to it all, nice fit for a children's book illustration.

The only negative thing I can see is that it is a bit dull. A little boost of contrast would help a great deal - in particular some brighter highlights. Nothing drastic of course, just a little nudge =)

Tinusch · Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2003 12:43 pm

Haha, I love it. As mentioned, the style is perfect for a children's book. The subtle morbidity is a perfect touch. I disagree with the contrast issues mentioned; I think strong highlights and deep shadows would destroy the light, airy feel this piece has, which would completely eliminate the novelty of the sinister box, which works well as it is now simply because of how it clashes with the happy children's book feel the rest of the image has. I think the "dullness" of the image is what makes it so perfect. The subtleness is great. What I think would add to this piece tremendously would be a nice rectangluar crop, rather than the messy edges it has now. That may just be a stylistic preference, though. Anyway, I really love this picture. Everytime I look at it, it makes me laugh. The innocent look of surprise on the face of the unsuspecting girl is priceless.

Matthew · Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2003 4:25 pm

I dig this one too, you have got this nice and smooth feeling. Smile

jon brat · Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2003 7:55 am

Thank you for your comments; I'm glad you all liked it and thought it fitting as a children's book type of illustration. It is interesting to me what DL-44 and Tinusch thought about the contrast in the picture. I find that when I work digitally, I fight to add the right amount of darks, but when I paint in oils, I fight for the right amount of light.
Reakshun: this is Photoshop 7 from sketch to finish