Cyberdrace on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/cyberdrace/art/You-Can-t-Run-356428735Cyberdrace

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You Can't Run

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Description

Throwing rocks worked when AJ did it, right?


Started this right after the episode aired and then I just left lying there unfished, because of various distractions.
Alas, I finally got around to finish it now! I hope the composition works... it looked more consistent as a sketch, but oh well!
Image size
1920x1200px 2.84 MB
© 2013 - 2024 Cyberdrace
Comments48
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michaelajunker's avatar
:star::star::star::star-half::star-empty: Overall
:star::star::star::star::star: Vision
:star::star::star::star::star-half: Originality
:star::star::star-half::star-empty::star-empty: Technique
:star::star::star::star-half::star-empty: Impact

I will write this critique following (more or less) the categories as defined by the deviantArt guidelines of Vision, Originality, Technique and Impact, whose definitions I will post after the critique.

Please take no offense at anything I write. I only mean it as constructive criticism, something to help you learn from your own work and then improve.
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You are very strong in the vision here. The idea of Spike, cornered and trapped by a timberwolf, is conveyed quite clearly. The fear shown on Spike's face is well done, although the sweat drop is slightly too large in my opinion. I find it interesting that he is holding a rock, though, and it hints at a desire to fight back still. I like that, and would've followed through with that a little. Perhaps explore a bit; try posing him with his arm cocked back, ready to throw, with the concern and fear still evident.

Your originality takes a bit of a hit because it's an idea that I have seen enough before to no longer be completely shocked or surprised by it, yet I still appreciate the effort that you put into this art. I still give you four and a half stars because of the tagline you included in the description of "Throwing rocks worked when AJ did it, right?". To me, this implies a couple of potential ways this situation came about. Either Spike was careless in where he walked, or he was feeling bold and arrogant, so cocksure of himself that he could take on the timberwolves that he managed to get himself into a horrible situation. The fact that there are a few different stories possible behind this intrigues me, and earns you an extra star in Originality.

The technique, however, suffers greatly. The shading is inconsistent with the apparent light sources. Looking at Spike's scales on his head, for example, we see that the lighting is coming across him diagonally, suggesting lighting from above and at an angle. However, the majority of the shading in the picture disagrees with this source, and places the light source visibly behind the timberwolf. If the light sources is truly behind the timberwolf, then this picture should be even more dramatic. The timberwolf would be hardly light at all, most of the light on the side we see would come from his eyes, while his body would be hardly visible. His front paws shouldn't be nearly as bright as they are portrayed here. You started off fairly well with the rear paws being as dark as they are, though they should be darker, but the front paws would in no case be lighter. We, the viewers, shouldn't be able to distinguish many particular features on the timberwolf at all, but Spike's front should be well lit, as it is, adding to the contrast of the image. However, his back is too light for the light source. When you challenge yourself with a light source position like in this image, follow through and truly challenge yourself! Boldly leave your comfort zone, and learn from all of your work, whether or not it's a mistake. The shadow of the timberwolf fades too quickly. While it would be long and would fade, the ground is too light for the image. Had it been kept darker, the shadow wouldn't have been a problem, and it would've again added to the contrast and vividness of the picture. It would've helped you in Vision as well. Be willing to lose some details in the shadows! Lose some of Spike's back, and lose the detail of the timberwolf, and the image will stick with people.

The Impact score, therefore, does lose a good chunk through the Technique. However, because I can still appreciate the artwork for the ideas that it represents, I will not being completely diabolical. I would love for somebody to include this as part of a fanfic, but I don't see it being the spawning of an entire story. It could be a chapter or two, but not several.

In conclusion, this artwork conveys the idea crisply, invokes some thought (how did Spike get into this situation, how will he respond, will anybody be able to help him, etc.), and presents a fairly original idea. However, the detail in shading severely hurts the impression that this artwork could leave, which in turn hurts the Impact score.

I would recommend that you try drawing white graphite on black paper. It seems like a bad idea, but some people find it easier to work with. Give it a go.

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These are the definitions of the Critique categories as provided by deviantArt.

"Vision – Does the artwork present or reflect a point of view, theme or idea?

Originality – Is the artwork fresh or new in its style, execution or approach? Is it something you haven’t seen before in its particular genre? Does it surprise you?

Technique – Was the artwork skillfully created? Does the artist exhibit advanced knowledge of the medium and/or bring special focus to the craft of the medium used.

Impact – Does the artwork resonate with you or evoke strong emotions? Does it make you think? Does it blow your mind? "

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