cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/40928184

I remember trying to study a specific dog image. And since I don’t know the anatomy of any other creature, I decided to go with dog dragon/drake.

The shading below the mouth and on the neck confuses me. I’d like some feedback if anyone’s willing to give. Same thing for the jaw, specifically the lower jaw, it doesn’t feel as prominent as it should be

  • python@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    5 days ago

    The trick with shading is to shape it with negative space ^^ Make a layer, completely fill it with your shade color, and then use your eraser and erase the parts that are hit by light. For the color of the shade layer, something purple-ish at like 10-30% opacity and a “Multiply” Layer Effect is a good starting point for experimenting.

  • LordAmplifier@pawb.socialEnglish
    3·
    5 days ago

    I like them! I can also try to give feedback, though I’m not very experienced with digital art. For me, shading is one of the toughest parts. I think the shading around the neck is pretty good, though the sharp edge (where the vertical and the horizontal borders meet) feels a bit odd. As for the mouth, I could see shading similar to what you did under their hair. The muzzle is usually kinda thin and not very rounded, unlike the body, so there’s only a slim bit of shade. Trying out a bunch of stuff (go really wild if you have to) on a different layer might help to see what you like and what you don’t like.

    • Reilyh she/her@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      2·
      18 hours ago

      though the sharp edge (where the vertical and the horizontal borders meet)

      I see what you mean and I can agree! A smoother transition would be better.

      I did not fully understand the part about the muzzle. neocat, think An image, a direction of search, or a visual demo (:o) would be much appreciated! For now, I will try to pay more attention to muzzles

      • LordAmplifier@pawb.socialEnglish
        1·
        9 hours ago

        Finding references is tough, but I found this one (FA link). The mouth has two types of shading: light shading that covers most of it, and dark shading around the bottom edge. Ignore the light shading because what I mean is the dark shading. Muzzles usually aren’t round like bellies, for example. The sides of the mouth go almost straight down and only curve at the very bottom to transition into the bottom of the mouth. That’s why shading on the mouth is usually a relatively slim line and doesn’t cover a lot of area.

        I hope that clears it up a bit :3