Critique Arena
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Welcome to the Critique Arena! The rules here are simple, but very important, so please follow them:

1.) Follow all site rules for forum AND chat.
2.) Be respectful. Good critique is constructive: helpful and specific. 'It doesn't look good' is not acceptable. Rudeness is right out.
3.) If you want to post something for critique, you must also provide critique for at least two other users' posts.
4.) You don't have to be an artist to give critique. You only have to be able to know what seems 'off' about a piece, and why.
5.) You come for critique, don't expect fountains of praise. Don't take critique personally; it's about the piece of art, not about you. No matter how harsh a critique may seem, you always have the option to take from it what seems useful to you and leave the rest.


It would also be lovely if critics could give their critique as much detail as possible, and suggest solutions for the problems they see. 'The leg looks off' is okay. 'The leg would look better if the thigh was shortened slightly' is much better.

Have at it!

11-14-2012 at 12:50 AM
First: <a href=http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/ExSuperbia/horsetag.png rel=nofollow>Horse so someone I know says it's very stocky. </a><br /> And I know that the muzzle is too short. Which is an unfortunate habit of mine, but do you guys think? And could you give some advice please xD<br /> <br /> Second: <a href=http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/ExSuperbia/does.png rel=nofollow>A body I did the other day.</a><br /> If you think something looks beyond odd feel free to point out.<br /> Also does anyone know any good stomach abs references :'D<br /> <br /> Bonus question: Can anyone explain to me the meaning of "dry head" in horse terminology?<br /> <br /> @Kittybot<br /> I agree with Ritter. Increase the head size and maybe make the muzzle a bit sharper to make it look a tad more foxy, and give the highlights a bit more shine and it’ll look, if possible, even better ;3<br /> I like how you used the shadows to show the fur.<br /> <br /> @Kaineh<br /> Not much to critique in my opinion, but I think the paws might look a little odd but I don’t know what you were going for so I can’t say for sure :3<br />
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2012-11-14 01:11:38 by #9211

06-11-2012 at 8:02 PM
Kitty, First of, I Love the fox. The colors and all are real pretty, but that far leg looks wonky to me.<br /> Its thicker than the front one, and it looks rather stiff. Perhaps if you tilted it slightly at the paw it would look better?<br /> The eyes also look real wolf-ish to me, but I think it's just me haha. <br /> Edit: Fixed typo
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2012-06-11 20:03:22 by #2054

04-9-2012 at 10:10 PM
<img src="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/37983769/VS%20-%20grey%20foxSM.png"> Check out this fox i drew! Let me know what it needs.
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2012-04-09 22:11:21 by #7183

03-31-2012 at 9:38 AM
Looks good, Kaine! my only suggestions would be to bring out more highlights, and maybe increase the size of the head a bit.

03-31-2012 at 9:36 AM
Here we go. :) This is my latest <a href="http://kainehill.deviantart.com/art/Ugly-Fursona-291073665">drawing</a> which actually took me like.. 1 hour from sketch to finished color. So it's nothing I put too much effort in, but still I would like to hear your critique!<br /> <br /> @ Illusion: I think the picture itself looks good, but the sharpness of the obstacle is wrong, because the dog is fully sharp, even the hind legs that are BEHIND the obstacle. ^^ So either the legs have to be blured or the obstacle has to be sharp. Also that obstacle looks more blured than the two in the background and the line between sky and grass is fully sharp again, same with the grass all over the ground. You should take a look at some photos. :) I guess that would help to see how much the bluring becomes stronger in the background.<br /> <br /> If you don't want to blur the BG, then you should leave blurness out completely, that will look realistic too. :)<br /> But that dog looks very nice at all! <br /> <br /> @ Ritter: Actually I think the head is a little too big/long, but in case that's a fantasy animal it'd still be possible. Yet I think it would be hard for it to hold the neck straight with such a big head.
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2012-03-31 09:37:51 by #10714

03-24-2012 at 3:06 PM
Ritter, i'm liking your picture so far. what sort of skull is that meant to be? i would either find a reference of that skull or something similar if it's a fantasy skull, and pay close attention to the lines of it.<br /> <br /> as for the back legs, again, i'd suggest referencing your base animal. it should be pretty easy to find pictures of legs in that position!

03-20-2012 at 10:25 AM
Hullo! <a href=http://dragonslipper.deviantart.com/#/d4th1xf>This</a> is my piece for critique. Mostly focusing on the skull and the back legs right now :3<br /> Illu, I love this picture. One of the few comments on it for me is the blurriness of the jump itself hurts my eyes .-. I am, however, a big fan of your work. Keep it up :) <br /> <br /> Tibby, I loove your kitty ^^ One thing I have to say is maybe add more definition under the chin. But that might be fixed with some coloring?

03-3-2012 at 8:31 AM
illu, please provide critique for at least two other posts when you ask for critique here n_n;

03-3-2012 at 2:13 AM
<a href="http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/063/8/5/agility_button____co_by_crystalleung7-d4rnih7.jpg">Agility Button</a><br /> <br /> This is a commission for someone on my DA, they wanted a drawing of their dog Button and I drew this xD I'm still trying digital art so yea... it's quite... unfamiliar you can say~ This is drawn on PS CS5<br /> <br /> I would love to get some feedback on it! Here are some of the mistakes I've spotted already:<br /> <br /> 1. Background - I'm terrible at backgrounds OTL anyone know how to draw backgrounds? tutorials please?<br /> 2. Hind legs - terrible at hind legs too, red lines? ;A;<br /> 3. Tail - it just doesn't look right<br /> 4. Shadows<br /> 5. Anatomy? <br /> <br /> Edit:<br /> <br /> Whoops @.@ forgotten about that!<br /> <br /> @kira: the smooth collie looks alright overall, but i think the left hind leg is a bit awkward ^^'' perhaps it's the shading that makes it look awkward, for it kind of looks like there's an extra joint in there. Also the shading beneath the chin is a bit too dark and makes it look really ominous and too sunken in, so is the area after the ribs. but overall a nice piece C8<br /> <br /> @blix: I really like the sketch X'3!<br /> Though I think the muzzle mark is not necessary, and the chest is positioned too low making the corgi really wide. The ears should have a little dent at the end so that it looks like a triangle, because corgi ears don't just round back into their heads if you get what i mean ^^'' like <a href="http://i.istockimg.com/file_thumbview_approve/14547644/2/stock-photo-14547644-full-body-pembroke-welsh-corgi-sitting-isolated.jpg">this</a>, the ears aren't perfectly rounded so pay attention to that!
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2012-03-04 01:01:49 by #6174

11-15-2011 at 7:54 AM
Wow, pelo, that's a cute picture!<br /> <br /> Critique, hmm, let's see.<br /> <br /> i am assuming the dog on the left is a Sheltie - in that case the bridge of the muzzle is a bit too flat. A Shetland's nose is <a href="http://assets.dogtime.com/breed/profile/image/4d37740c01061956690056f7/max_400_shetland-sheepdog.jpg">slightly dished</a>, something that should be more apparent at that angle. The GSD's muzzle is a bit long on top - i would bring the nose back a little bit, as they don't have pointed muzzles like a lot of other dogs do. Also, you may wish to thicken the rim of the ears at the earbase - GSDs have a unique ear shape that includes <a href="http://germanshepherdpuppiesblog.com/files/864374.jpg">wide rims</a> on the ear near the head.<br /> <br /> Overall though, it's hard to find any real fault with the image - can't wait to see how it turns out, looking great!

11-15-2011 at 2:33 AM
<a href="http://i44.tinypic.com/10nc7c5.png">My piece for critique.</a> It's going to be the art for my user shop once I digitally color it. Please excuse the poor scan quality - I'm working with a $5 yardsale scanner here (fitting considering the picture, actually) and the details end up a bit faded. <br /> <br /> Kira, the anatomy on your picture is pretty nice, but the front legs could use some work - the shoulder should be up a little higher. I'd also suggest making your lineart a bit cleaner and making sure the shading matches up with the outline :) <br /> <br /> Kitty, your elkhound is quite cute but I think the legs are a bit too short and thick in comparison to the body. They're not a huge breed, but they're also not a stumpy-legged breed like a corgi. The face should also be a tiny bit broader and not so pointy at the nose. <a href="http://bestnew-pet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/031.jpg">Here's a picture if that helps.</a>

11-10-2011 at 8:35 PM
kittybot, that elkhound is beautiful!I think the eyes could be a teeny bit less squinty. Mag, I love your picture too, but are the eyes going to be blank the whole time?I think you should add some color to them.All of ya'll pictures are great!

08-2-2011 at 12:12 AM
<a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2re30nk.jpg">My piece for critique.</a> Note that it's extremely rough right now, but I want some redlines/crit before I get too far.<br /><br />EDIT: Whoops, read the wrong page. xD Critiquing different pieces<br /><br /><br /> Tibby, your kitty is adorable! The head has good perspective, but the mouth needs a little adjusting. The near side of its lips needs to be raised and shortened a bit to match the rest of the perspective. Also the whiskers on that lip need to be rotated counter-clockwise about 30 degrees and raised a little. Just do those things and the face will look perfect in my eyes. The leg anatomy needs some small touchups as well, and it will look great once they're done. The cat's left front and rear paws need to be rotated inward a bit because it looks like the cat has a slight case of splay feet unless that's the look you're aiming for because it does make it cuter. :) Also, the leg structure of the cat's rear left leg needs more definition (<a href="http://www.kenyaodyssey.com/images/big-cat-diary_big-cat-diary_top_859_1.jpg">I know it's lions, but here's a pic that shows the leg structure from that angle</a>). The cat's right left foot looks like it's ankle is directly above it when its ankle should be further back. It's a great, adorable start. If you adjust the kitty's lines in a few areas it will look great!<br /><br />Magtehpap, that's very good! I can't really suggest much because it's so good. I especially love the coloring and shading. All I can say is that I find it a bit too scruffy for my taste and the eyelid should be blended a bit at the top with the main fox. But these are just a matter of opinion on my part. Good job!
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2011-08-01 18:03:53 by #4220
2011-08-01 17:28:31 by #4220

07-29-2011 at 3:53 PM
Kitty: Kitty, nice lineart! The front paws are a bit big. Maybe its just the pose but it looks like that. I really like it other wise. <br /> <br /> Kira: Your piece is wonderful. But the paws look a bit weird to me. Other than that its just fine <br /> <br /> My art is line art of a <a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/wccy1y.gif">Scottish fold.</a>

06-19-2011 at 7:35 PM
It died.... Er.. I guess I'll be back later with a new critique... Maybe someone'll pop on.

05-31-2011 at 11:40 AM
Kitty; the only thing that seems a touch off to me about your elkhound are the ears. :3<br /> <br /> They look lovely, but they may be just a *touch* too pointed. I googled pictures of norwegian elkhounds and their ears are just ever so slightly more round. As seen <a href="http://www.dogs-central.com/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound-puppy/0763190136.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg">here!</a>:D Otherwise though, that's a beautiful piece!<br /> <br /> Kiraleeka; your piece is nice! :) I really like it. The thing that I notice most are the paws. Paws are tricky to draw! Try some image references to help you. Paws have bone structure and if you study them a little every time you draw, you're bound to improve. :3
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2011-05-31 04:45:03 by #5636
2011-05-31 04:43:06 by #5636

05-27-2011 at 10:32 PM
<a href="http://i55.tinypic.com/1f7r54.png">Sleeping Fox Plushie</a><br /> <br /> I believe that link works... I'm gonna try again, i edited it some, and I think I;ll work on making a background for it. :3 ((I'm really bored. :P)) Thanks Kira and Kitty! :D I worked with what you said, and it does look a bit better. :3 Thanks! ^_^ <br /> <br /> Kira:: Hm, I like it, I truly do. Although, something is making me question the toes on the paws. They seem to be a bit oddish. The back tow looks to me as if it's bigger than the front, and I believe it should be the other way around?<br /> <br /> Kitty: Luff, I luff that piece! The tongue, it may be a bit small/lopsided compared to the rest, but I think you intended that. The paws are a nice shape, and I like the way the tail fluffs out. Nice work! :D
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2011-05-27 15:33:50 by #9432

05-27-2011 at 6:51 PM
Hm. Thanks Kitty! :D It is meant to be a plush though. ;p *Goes off to shrink shadow and stuff*

05-27-2011 at 7:25 AM
<a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248084_2072035684033_1339113355_32335254_375204_n.jpg">My piece</a> for critique please. :) it's a smooth collie. I am terrible at shading! <br /> <br /> Kittybot I love your tiger, the leg on the left side of the piece seems off to me like there is too much there, and the facial proportions are a little off, but it's lovely!<br /> <br /> Mag your fox is really cute, I personally would make the body a bit more elongated and there are a few lines on the back legs that look strange where they are.<br /> <br /> Silver your link takes me to a blank page not sure if it's just me.

05-26-2011 at 11:40 PM
<a href="http://i52.tinypic.com/2iuqfqh.png">Lineart for my own contest XD</a> any help on dog anatomy is great! It's a Norwegian Elkhound.<br /> <br /> Mag, your fox seems to have excess lineart lines - on his thigh especially it sticks out, it's the sort of thing you should show with shading instead of lines. I'm assuming it's intended to be a plush, not a real fox, otherwise it's tooooooo floppy and needs more readily apparent structure. The shadow can be shrunk quite a bit as well if it's overhead lighting.<br /> <br />I'll critique Larth's piece further: the legs are of unequal thickness, and I agree with Xy that the feet should be more heavily on the ground. The character's left breast (viewer's right) should be elongated and appear 'flatter' as the area is stretched by the upraised arm, and yes, the character's right breast (viewer's left) is a bit too high. Also I didn't notice before, but the elbow on the upraised arm is very nicely done, so congrats on that :D
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2011-05-27 16:59:30 by #7183

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