Trying Something New

[aguilerag]

I have a friend who wanted his coat of arms on a wallet! I told him a book cover or tablet cover would be better due to the detail. He insisted on a wallet. Here is the finished art. I used acrylics I bought from tandys. I was going to use my airbrush but still hesitant about doing that.

As usual, please critique and any tips, hints etc are welcome!

Thanks

Gabriel

[Greystone]

Still learning,,, er,,,,, always learning,, love to see something new thanks db

looks great..imho..db

[aguilerag]

Thanks. Db? What does that mean?

[Ferg]

Well, you did ask for a critique. You need to do a lot of practicing with your Paint/Stain before attacking an image such as a Coat of Arms. The dark stain in the background is totally out of whack. The painting simply isn't very good.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with your work that practice won't improve.

ferg

[aguilerag]

I appreciate every critique I get. This is not a finished product just something I'm working on. Considering I have only been doing this for a month I know I need a lot of work on every aspect. As for the painting, how would you make the painting of something like this better? Critique is fine but improvement tips along with it would help! Thanks

Gabriel

By finished art I meant finished all the cutting I am doing to it.

[electrathon]

There are phalic images on the top. I am guessing it is not by design, but could be.

[aguilerag]

When the design shrunk down to that size I pointed out the same thing and he said go with it lol. The whole time I'm doing it I was thinking the same thing!

[benlilly1]

Doing something that small is hard even if you're experienced. Maybe it would look better if you just antiqued and not painted. It's a learning experience.

[aguilerag]

Benlilly, thanks for the advice. I think I may try that instead.

[Ferg]

Please remember my critique is meant to be constructive.

You need to plan your design before diving into a complicated Coat of Arms.

When you do Coats of Arms you will eventually get hammered by someone that believes all of them should be perfect, as in original, with no little "asides". Doesn't matter if the person you are doing it for has little or no requirement for same.

Use a more subtle backgrounding stamp, the image is your focal point don't obscure that with deep colored dye plus a deep impression.

Your swivel knife cuts aren't even. I know, you have only been doing this work for a short while, doesn't mean you should ignore this.

You should do your swivel knife cuts, modeling and shading stamps, apply a resist, a paste dye, wipe off, then do your painting with a better paint than available at Tandy. All of these processes should be allowed to dry thoroughly before proceeding to next.

Buy some good quality artist's brushes. The broom you are using isn't going to cut it. LOL

Never get discouraged by what someone like me tells you. Work, read, study, and buy the best materials you can afford. AND PRACTICE!

ferg