I started with level 1, but decided to go ahead and try the level 2 reference as well. I found it especially challenging to lay down tone evenly.

Finally had time to attempt the first pear. Think I need to do more shading squares exercises as I don't feel my shading is very consistent for each tone. But that is just a part of learning after all.

Here's my assignment for simplified portrait. I struggle with structure more than I guess with values. I try to simplify it as much as I could. It's frustrating, confusing and if it comes close to a bit of what I was expecting then I guess some what enjoyable too. Well, it's a process nonetheless and I'll keep going. And all the best to everyone 😊

Hello everyone, I feel like I am an intruder here because I didn't purchase this class, because I am not able to afford it right now. In India this class cost me 11,436 rupees which I don't have. But I do want to build my fundamentals muscles too. So I am following the discussion and you tube videos to get the assignment. And maybe I will not get critiques and hope that I don't get kick out from here😅. So fingers crossed and here is my assignment.🤞

Hi sir, I am sorry for posting on the wrong thread because I had little idea about how the thread discussion works. Actually yes I like to simplify it more and i do want to have great shape design. I love simple yet interesting shape designing but the problem is when I try to make it simple I think that it's not working and I am loosing all the information here, then it started to looking boring and dull and that just doesn't work at all. And whenever I try to keep it simple I just can't stop myself from making it more complicated and I just keep drawing keep drawing it until I ruined it. Maybe I overworked my work because I don't think that looked good enough when I have simplified the drawing, i keep adding the details to make it work.

Hey, @knightdroid! @Jon Neimeister is making a course on Digital Painting Fundamentals here at Proko, I’d suggest checking it out. If you’re not ready to take the paid course yet, you can find some of Jon’s lessons on Proko’s YouTube channel for free: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtG4P3lq8RHHBiU_VqcY_L9T2iFDeCUJH Alternatively, I also really like the “Digital Painting 101” free mini series at http://www.CtrlPaint.com About where to stop the drawing before starting to shade… it depends, there’s no general rule. Some people have a more painterly approach and draw very few lines before starting to add tone (in a way, you could say that they sketch with tones). But other people, such as myself, for example, are more comfortable with lines. Since you have some mileage with drawing, but are a beginner on shading/painting, I’d recommend developing the sketch as much as you can before shading - at least in the beginning. Try not to skip stages of the line drawing, develop it until you feel that’s as far as you’ll go with the lines. You don’t need to ink necessarily, just make sure to have a drawing that’s fully developed in terms of construction and design. For instance, in your “Spider-Man X Venom” drawing here, I’d say the first one (image 4) would definitely be too early to start shading, but the second (image 5) is pretty close - I think I’d just design the forms of Venom’s tongue a little more (which is looking a bit flat), and perhaps add some elements of an environment to complement the composition - and then I’d say it could be ready to shade. Aside from that, @Steve Lenze’s considerations on posing, gesture, perspective and construction certainly apply too! Over time, as you gain more experience with shading and painting, you might start to feel more confident with painting an undeveloped sketch or with the process of sketching with tones rather than with lines - if that happens, you can simply adjust your process to your more advanced preferences. Hope this helps!

Wow I love your artwork! I would start with social media, such as instagram or TikTok (if you can produce videos of your art making process), and say you're open for commission.

Wow.. these are looking good.

Hey! I think there are online places that let you offer your skills for freelance work, such as Fiverr, and Upwork. Those places will charge you a percentage of your earnings though, for the maintenance of the site and as a fee for facilitating your interaction with clients. Have a search and there might be more online in your area. Otherwise, if we're taking it off the web, it never hurts to get to network with artists near you. Look for local art groups to join and ask around there. Let your intentions for employement be known. Selling your art at conventions and local art events is also a way to get your name out and earn some money, maybe even team up with another artist and run a stall together? I think if you build a strong network around your local area, that can really help. They can also notify you when jobs or opportunities come up. Hope that helps :)

Wow, your shadows and edges are well designed. Great work

Hi knightdroid, Beleive me, i completely understand you, as I was reading your post I thought this is exactly what I face as well. I do struggle with blending colours and values and they turn out to be messy and i always get the sphere right somehow but can't do blending that well on any other forms. And that sucks, and i am also practicing my skill for few years and i am no where near my goal and it's heartbreaking. But the one thing that help me is blending with opacity brush and stroking it only in one direction i guess, and allowing myself few strokes to do blending. I guess that will help you too. Best of luck

Hey Anthony, They are looking good. I guess your darks are good enough.

Hi guys, I am learning fundamentals of portrait and lighting as well. I do struggle with values, they are not clear, so I need your opinion. Thank you.🙂

Hi everyone, I am doing portrait study and I am struggling with values🥲. So help me by giving critics. Thank you🙂

Some shoulder muscles! Video coming soooon.

DAY ONE: JOINTS! I got like three hours of sleep last night, but these look okay! I think!

Hi everyone, I know I am late but this is my first ever post for any challenge and I needed that. I am a very shy person, this is a huge step for me toward showing what I am learning. And every feedback is welcome 😸 Thank you

Hi Marco! My name is madiha and i have a question about visual development and illustrations. What is the difference between story driven illustrations and visual development? Thank you