Poliwag

Hey, I saw that Poilwag is listed as simple so I decided to give it a go (Instead of trying harder for Abra atm) Let me know what you think

This is the one that I would like to submit

Spoiler

This is one that I drew a while ago but was told it needed to be colored to get a grade above 40. I am including it here to try and show more proof that I drew the above one.

Spoiler

Also I don't know if I am meant to be making new threads for each pokemon or not. Please let me know which is better for you guys

 

POLIWANK #ryan

Typically, I judge by effort before skill. How much time was put into your piece (or how much time appears to have been put into your piece) will affect your score. That's why backgrounds make your drawing score higher - not necessarily because it's more artistic, but because it requires more effort to make a complete drawing. Backgrounds, when done properly, also add dimension and usually a story. For instance, your Poliwag here is not simply just a Poliwag on an empty page, it's a Poliwag chillin' seaside on that majestic rock like The Little Mermaid.

I'm glad you used colored pencils, because again, the effort improves your score. Yeah, your shading needs some work. It's pretty flat - you can add depth in creating shadow by just pressing harder when you color in places that should be darker (sections furthest away from the foreground or hidden from your lightsource) and softer in places that should be lighter. Doing this would give you that "roundness" effect you are looking for in the tadpole, as well as give you a third dimension. You did this a tiny bit with the water in the background, but that method should be carried throughout the entire image.

Proportions are pretty good. I like Poliwag's expression; it's cute. The kawaii eye shine is also pretty adorbs, it gives your art some character. I'm not sure if that's a rock, or a fossil, or a seashell that it is hopping on, but it's interesting. Much more interesting than a plain brown lump, so another slight boost of creativity there. To me, it's all in the details. Art is pesky to judge, with the broad spectrum of subjectivity and all (people spend like thousands of dollars on paint splatters, so dumb ._.). So details show me that the artist put time, thought, and effort into their work.

Realism. A bit sticky. Those two splashes of water are pretty distracting. This could be a good thing if they made sense, but their placement seems like they're spouting from a whale's blowhole. Or the blowhole(s) of that rock, except for the fact that it's an inanimate object... or is it? It's a mystery. I assume it's just the crashing of the tide, in which case, it'd be a more engulfing splash that would also barrel around the sides of the rock. PHSYICS. They should be considered. Putting more into your picture is great, but one bad decision can overwhelm your entire image. Not really the case here, don't mind my criticism, but in my opinion this would have looked much nicer without the water spouts.

Overall, for your first piece, and for a simple mon, I think this is a fine entry. It's pleasant on the eyes, I like the colors, and Poliwag is really cute. Pen skills or no pen skills, effort means more. And the effort will develop the pen skill on its own. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT AND ALL THAT JAZZ.

Good job, Panno. Take your dumb Poliwag. Nice picture.

Score: 40 - Poliwank captured.


P.S. You can make a new thread for each Pokemon, or you can put them all in one. No one cares; it's up to you.