Zebra Foal WIP

[Bellatrix]

Well I decided to take the jump and take Lorna's advice and post some of my work.

This is my current piece, reference by Tambako. Size is 11" x 14". Still very much a work in progress. Zebra is about half done and haven't started the background or shadows yet. I'm not at all happy with it - it looks so rough I have used mainly #11 X-acto with some FB smoothing.

C & C's encouraged and appreciated.

[Colorfur Critters]

Very good start!

[lorna12]

I think it looks adorable...you have the fur/hide looking all soft and fuzzy.

And of course you think it looks rough, but you said it yourself...you're not done yet! Keep up the good work and it will come around to your liking.

[olgadabrowska]

Very good start :-) I myself don't like the very first stages in any medium, love the detailing stage so much but as you said - lots to be done and I'm sure it will be great zebra!

[Harry Seymour]

It may be rough but it sure is cute. So, whatever progress you make don't lose that cuteness--and I don't think you will.

[pamelalbd]

It IS adorable! just like Lorna said so just keep at it and persevere... its not instant beauty in most cases....at least mine sure aren't. You have the makings of a Beautiful piece here.

[Bellatrix]

Thank you Lola, Lorna, Olga, Harry and Pamela for your lovely comments

[FoggyMountain]

I agree with the rest; what is done already looks fabulous!

[Bellatrix]

Thank you Lynn

[PatrickHedges]

Great to see your work here. It's well and truly on the way to looking superb.

One suggestion would be to eliminate the outlines around the leg? There would be shading there but no outline. Our eyes will fill in the detail and lost edges become part of the appeal.

[Bellatrix]

Thanks Patrick.

Ok blonde moment here - outlines around the leg? Could you explain what you mean pleeaassee

Thanks!

[artofnature]

Kim, I have used this reference also. It is on my website if you want to take a look. I actually cropped it and took the bottom part of the leg off as I didn't like it. Maybe you could fill in the arches with the rest of his forelock. Or cover the lower part of the leg with some nice grassy foreground. Just a thought. It's look great in any case.

[Bellatrix]

Originally Posted by artofnature

Kim, I have used this reference also. It is on my website if you want to take a look. I actually cropped it and took the bottom part of the leg off as I didn't like it. Maybe you could fill in the arches with the rest of his forelock. Or cover the lower part of the leg with some nice grassy foreground. Just a thought. It's look great in any case.

WOW Lesley, I just had a look at your zebra and I can only dream of producing work like that!

I know that bottom leg looks funny now but I had planned to put the background in - haven't decided whether it will be the sand as per the ref or dirt/grass so the funny shape will be covered if I can get it right

[PatrickHedges]

Originally Posted by Bellatrix

Thanks Patrick.

Ok blonde moment here - outlines around the leg? Could you explain what you mean pleeaassee

Thanks!

Ah yes, I've done a very amateur mockup of what I mean by removing the outlines and adding shading (badly ). If you wait a couple of seconds for the 'gif' to change you will notice the 'lines' around that front leg fade away a bit and the shading take over. If you are still unsure, just say so and I'll try to clarify more

[Garbonzo]

You are doing a great job. It seems to be a requirement with scratchboard that you go through an ugly stage. I think it helps the artist appreciate even more when the piece comes around to their liking. Along with the shading that Patrick has pointed out, you can also lighten the upper edge of the leg closest to us to bring it forward a bit and help separate the two.