WIP- Hands and Feet

[impression_eye_get]

New here and I could really use some help!! This is a drawing I've started that has about 3 hours in it so far. I haven't drawn anything in a LONG time, so any suggestions and comments on how I could make it better would be greatly appreciated!

The baby's foot concerns me because it's looking more like something an alien gave birth to than a human. I'm also freaking out over the shading. I'd really like to make this piece *POP*, but I'm not sure how to go about it in my limited knowledge w/out making it look worse.

Hope you can see the photos ok...my camera is on the fritz. Argh! The first is my intital sketch and the second is what it is as of now...

Thanks in advance!!
~Christy

[sultry]

Hiyas Christy & Welcome

Wow such a beautiful touching piece. I do like your composition also. Your worried about the babies feet?
Is this from a photo or life? If it is from a photo make sure you convert it to greyscale in a photo program in your computer.

Have you measured each section of the feet? Measure the toes on the reference picture and then transfer the measurements to your drawing. Look at the geo shapes in the values of the shading on each toe and transfer those shapes also to your drawing. When you get the measurements & shapes insinc with the photo it helps alot.

Shading is also another way to get likeness but it will never work till you have the measurements correctly. When you do start to shade start really lightly with a hard pencil or (#F or H#). It will give you a chance to decide if you need to erase anything or not.

Alot of members here will have more great advice for you but that is all I can think of right now. Looking forward to see more updates on this. It is a lovely idea.

[Ikneadaneraser]

Sults has given you some great advice! I want to compliment and encourage you!
This is a really emotional piece that any parent would feel deeply about! As for the 'alien' thing, a newborn is a kind of alien creature! Muscles and control need to develope, and they are trying out new experiences all the time. The feeling of 'another hand' is foreign to them, too! It's an exciting time!

If you're worried at all, I would simply recheck your proportions and relative 'landmarks'. I think you may be questioning the third toe in particular. However, keep in mind the activity this piece depicts as the little one explores the world around their foot!
This is an exciting piece! best wishes!

[*Deirdre*]

I've got just one thing to add to the excellent advice you've already been given. It looks to me as if the back ground is going to be soft from the impression of a dip in the pillow/bedding you've done? If so it's probably white...so you need to tone both hand and feet to differentiate the two...this will help it to pop! I would start with the overall tone...then add shading.

[impression_eye_get]

Thanks for all the advice ya'll. I really appreciate it! Everything that was mentioned is something I'm going to work on. This is great!

I will post an update when I have time.

Thanks again!
~Christina