Elliot

Hello!  Ashmerra here from ProjectComment!

My disclaimer:  I will organize my critique as (+) I like this, and (-) I didn’t like this.  Note that this does not mean your work is bad!  I just want to be clear so you know!  Also note I never read other critiques on the art I am doing.

(+) Your shading is good, I see one light source, and I can tell where it is from.  The way the colors on the scarf are for shading works very well.  The hair has a very natural appearance as well.

(+) The way you drew the scarf, drawing some feathers, implying others, works very well and gives it its own look.  It hangs well and looks nice and fluffy.

(+) The color scheme.  Muted purples on him and within the frame, mixed with the bright red of that scarf gives it a very nice look.

(-) The arm is too stiff for my taste.  If it was more up, like this woman’s arm:  i.pinimg.com/originals/16/8d/5… I feel it would give a much more relaxed, natural position for his arm.

(-) Because we cannot see the entire frame, I feel it would appear better to have behind the frame be colored.  Just a soft, muted tone, maybe a gradient, but still something.  Personally, right now it almost feels I do not see the entire image, and I understand the choice, but that’s just my thoughts.

(+) And how could I forget those lines!  I love how you used different colored lines for skin and clothes, I really do think that changes how a piece is seen.