You have a solid foundation to work from, and are looking well positioned to a delicious final if you understand rimlights and core shadows. If you're going to rework the background and include reflected light, then you will have something to brag about
The continuing saga of Alex Ledante
This is looking awesome. I'm glad to see you tightening up some of the details in that gold filigree.
Overall, I'd say work on the range of values. Your blacks have become so saturated and your highlights so bright that we're losing some depth and form. For example, the cloth part of her dress ought to have some higher highlights and larger areas of midrange tones. The gold filigree is looking too all-over bright. I'd pull some of that back, and then hit select areas for highlights. Also, her silhouette is getting a bit lost against the background: reducing the contrast in the background will push it further back in space.
Right on Philby and Smolin, your both right, but the first two posts are my color blueprints. Sketches done in photoshop, makes it easier for me to get the feel of where I want to go.
Wow! This is really excellent. I am digging all the changes you've made. You've picked out the details on her neckpiece thingy beautifully, and the background is working much better for the image. You have the whole structure, lighting scheme, and design nailed: IMO, it just needs some tighter detailing throughout (but I suspect you know that already). Can't wait to see the final! Nick Avallone AngryFungus Art Blog | Sketchbook