Sijun Forums :: View topic - light, color, realism (suggestions wanted)

PHattiE · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 2:04 am

This is my first attempt at coloring an image using mixed light sources (one from the moon and the other from a nearby fire)

I started blocking in the background but got impatient and started on the figures face

the figure itself doesn't bother me, but it just doesn't look realistic. I think it might have something to do with my color choices, but tried other hues and got nothing better.

does anyone have any suggestions? If it is a color problem, whats the best way of finding the right hues from a palette of 1.6 million?

bascially I don't know where else to go with the face.

here's the pic:

Teemu Er�maa · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 6:30 am

Just go wild, and add another color.. or even a few.

Nothing in the nature is like you'd think it would be Wink

(I always try to stick to that rule).. So try researching with your pallette,

know that even the figure's hair & clothes and the air reflect and colorize the light..
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AndyT · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 7:25 am

Just some random thoughts ...

Don't worry about colors too much.
Monochrome photography can look realistic too ... right?
First look if perspective, shapes and proportions make sense.

Just an example ...
I think because of the low horizon the face should be viewed from below.

Then worry about values. Seperate light and shadow.
I guess the light of the moon is interesting almost only for the background.
For the face the fire is a lot more important. The highlights should be brighter.
And his left eye would be a lot darker!

Avoid black for dark areas if possible especially for skin colors.

Don't render details too soon.

Some links about (skin)colors and tones ... and about the process of painting:
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?t=31438
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?t=31503
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?p=304170
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?p=304171

Maybe you know them already!?
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PHattiE · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 4:20 pm

cool. Thanks guys

mutok · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2003 8:11 pm

your big problem, from what is worked on already, is the lighting on the eyes. take a look in a mirror with a flashlight and observe how the orbital sockets shadow and reflect. having the eyes that light make him look fake. also, increase brightness of the highlights. it's difficult to make out details from how you have it. the shadow color you used is warm enough to make his skin look wooden. cool it down and the shadows will recede into darkness better