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Hounskull [2012-06-09 10:00:33 +0000 UTC]

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So I see (from your description) that you're learning how to use Photoshop. Good choice, I'm sure that as you practice more you'll understand it even better - hopefully I can give you a few pointers here and there that might help you improve too e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/>

For starters, I do love this character - she isn't over the top in her design and you've done a nice job of drawing her.
There are a few things about the image that are a little conflicting though. For example - the level of detail in the stars, which contrasts with the plainness of the rock and water which she is sitting upon.

I am thinking that you brought in another image to use for the sky? There's nothing wrong with using elements of other images to add a finishing touch to an image, but when there is a great deal of difference between what has been drawn and what has been added, it can be a little distracting.
One common way to use outside images is to find a texture, and use it to add a little more life to something like a rock surface. However, you only want to have these textures in small amounts, and very thinly used. You should certainly not depend upon textures to bring your images to life, and with a little practice I'm sure you'll find a good balance if you want to use them.
For example - the rock she is sitting upon. If you worked up the tonal values of the rock a little more, you could bring in a photograph of a rocky surface. Put it on an overlay layer, set the transparency very low, and put a mask over the layer so it only affected the rock. This wouldn't change the image too much, it would just give it a little bit of edge).

The next thing I want to mention, which a brought up briefly before, is the shading in this image. You mentioned you were using the blur tool a little. That can be quite a useful tool, as long as you don't overuse it e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/> You've used it quite well here, as far as I can see, your blending is nice and smooth, and subtle. There's nothing wrong with your shading, all I want to say is that you shouldn't be afraid of bringing more shading into your work. You obviously have a talent for drawing out the lines of an image, and it gives a nice result, but if you practiced more with applying dark and light to an image, I'm sure you'd be impressed with the results.

The best thing I can recommend for this, is to go right back to the boring old basics and render up some simple shapes. Go right through all the values, from solid black to white, just to enforce a really solid understanding of shading.

Another method of getting a good sense of form in an image is to start completely from black and work up into the lighter values. To do this, I usually create a sketch on one layer in a bright color. Beneath that on a separate layer I fill in the shape with solid black. I set the sketch to a low transparency so I'm not relying on it, and then I slowly start adding in details in dark grey, mid grey, all the way up the white. The result is a image with a full range of black to white. After that, color can be added e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s… " width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/>

WIeughsjd so sorry if this is just dragging on and turning into a ramble. I tend to do that, I really do like your drawing though and I just like to try and help people improve. On that note, you don't have to 'admit' that you used tutorials e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b… " width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/> they're one of the best ways to learn! I fully encourage using any resource you can to improve your skills.

But anyway, you've done a really nice job with this, and I'm sure that with the skill you've already shown in your drawings you'll have no trouble picking up photoshop if you keep at it.

(I'd better mention that as I'm not a premium member I cannot reply to anything left in the critique comments for some reason).

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Eclipsed-Soul91 [2010-08-19 13:42:24 +0000 UTC]

Overall

Vision

Originality

Technique

Impact

Your use of photoshop is vastly improving. I love the shading of the Unicorn girl, especially her hair and legs. The night sky also looks like it took some work. The only think I think you need improvement in it the shading of the water and the rock, it seems you were quick to finish. I would say study an anime's water at night, or another artist on DA ( Know of plenty that are good for referencing rock shading)

Oh, also the "fireflies" seem a bit bland, maybe if you play with the gradient and add a bit more shine?

All in all I love your art Ruu! <3
(I am still practicing critiquing so please bear with me e.deviantart.net/emoticons/a/a… " width="19" height="19" alt="" title="Sweating a little..."/>

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taya369 [2012-08-10 00:56:51 +0000 UTC]

she makes me think of that movie "the last unicorn". looks like a hybrid form of amalthia human form and unicorn.

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Chalaya [2011-07-15 05:15:42 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful!! I love the fireflies, the water and the stars!!! This character is lovely as well! Wonderful work!!

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pheonixzutarianninja [2010-11-17 23:05:18 +0000 UTC]

i really like the style and idea!!

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JoeXseries [2010-10-22 15:55:27 +0000 UTC]

Too much...amazing...color effects...

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JesK38125 [2010-08-30 22:45:29 +0000 UTC]

ooohh i absolutely LOVE this drawing doll!!!!!!
def one of your best

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Corey-Lee [2010-08-25 04:53:13 +0000 UTC]

It certainly deserves any accolades it gets. By far your best piece to date and it truly shows how you're picking up on new skills and styles. Fantastic work here

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Sajren91 [2010-08-21 15:13:04 +0000 UTC]

I think I came out really good! Her pose and all the colors are beautiful. I especially like these effects! ^^

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OhsoFifi [2010-08-19 18:28:12 +0000 UTC]

This is wonderfull! :3

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Sammeezilla [2010-08-18 23:20:21 +0000 UTC]

This came out beautiful hun!!
I love all the fireflies around her ^^
This is definitely one of your best!!!

As for a name, I have to agree with Stacey..I like the name Mizuki for her ^^

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Ciriun [2010-08-18 20:35:27 +0000 UTC]

Wow, she's really pretty. I like the bit of dappling you gave her. And is that a shooting star up in the right corner?

If I may make one little suggestion, the fireflies seem a bit vivid. Real fireflies have a paler yellow color when they glow, and I think toning them down a little might make her eyes and horn stand out more. But since this is art it doesn't need to look real, so if this is the effect you were going for then just ignore this.

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Moreuse [2010-08-18 19:23:40 +0000 UTC]

it's deffinatly something. it's very pritty.

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JC-Dragon [2010-08-18 18:38:57 +0000 UTC]

I like it.

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Octofafa [2010-08-18 17:56:06 +0000 UTC]

Very nice drawing, I love color and lineart is so sweet ^^
and ... I love unicorn :3. Fireflies are very beautiful, and the technique is really original. I hope to see others fantastic drawings ^^

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Lilixis [2010-08-18 17:28:54 +0000 UTC]

This is really beautiful, Ruu.

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dragonrace [2010-08-18 17:08:39 +0000 UTC]

wow great pic!

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maakurinohime [2010-08-18 16:56:39 +0000 UTC]

She reminds of the moon when I look at her. How about Mizuki? It's Japanese and means "beautiful moon"

But here's a site I use to find some names. www.behindthename.com

Also, great job with photoshop! ^^ I love the blur tool and also the burn tool. I've been using the burn tool on a low opacity to do the shading on my photoshop works. But everyone has their own style. And I do love yours ^^

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