Gouache Studies
2yr
@quizzy
Hello, here are some gouache studies where I focused on three things. One, values. Two, silhouettes. Three, brushwork.
They took 1.5 to 2 hours each (I got faster), are all three to five inches in size. I am most proud of the red lit one, so if you can focus critiques on that I can improve most. You may know the references from pintrrest, but my aim is not likeness. Can I get specifics on bounced light in the shadows? I already know ambient occlusion.
Even a word of feedback will be appreciated. All are photo studies except the boy with white rim lighting, that one is from imagination.
2yr
Nice studies, @quizzy!
Overall, great job, especially with the one from imagination!
My least favorite of this group is the third one, and I believe it’s because the values on the face are too close to the values on the hair. Also, I feel like all the forms look a bit too flat - maybe the reference you used had a flattening, “magazine-cover-style” lighting?
You asked about bounce lights - the main principle is that, in terms of value, bounce light is on the “shadow range”, so it should never compete with the main light, it should always be darker. There’s a lot more stuff going on about bounce lights if we consider color, so, rather than attempting to explain anything, I’d better suggest some of the best study resources I know on this:
. Dorian Iten’s The Shading Course – Fundamentals of Realism, Light & Shadow
. “Fundamentals of lighting” with Sam Nielson, on Schoolism - https://schoolism.com/courses/art/fundamentals-of-lighting-sam-nielson
. CtrlPaint’s Photoshop rendering series (best if you’re interested in digital, but also contains the same principles applied to traditional media): https://ctrlpaint.myshopify.com/collections/foundation-skills
Hope this helps!
Keep it up!
@quizzy
2yr
Thank you Licandro, I really needed that outside opinion. I didn't realise that the third was flat, but I see it now. The reference was more of a casual selfie than a planned shot, and I know my lighting has rarely been the most riveting thing in the world, I tend to cling to one or two sources and leave it at that, I haven't been very adventurous. Additionally, I don't really add any selling point, something really exciting to things.
I will see what I can do with the resources you suggested, still trying to find that balance between study and creation. Thank you.
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