HiFi Coloring Challenge #21! It’s a Wrap!

I’ve been writing this column now for months and been admin of HueDoo.com for a couple years I think.  If you’ve seen any of my scribblings…you know that I LOVE art. I absolutely adore art.  And if it’s really good comic book art…WOW. It makes my head spin.  Let me tell you…Challenge #21 made me more than a little dizzy. Mike Norton’s art is just flat out amazing. I’m so proud to have been able to present it to you. Now lets take a look at the colored pieces that we had posted in the challenge thread.

Our first entry is by our good friend Kevin Conely.

Kevin Conely

I really enjoy Kevin’s work.  One day (soon!) we’ll be seeing his work on the shelves of our LCSs I’m sure.  This piece is no exception.  First off the cloudy sky/ceiling is great.  If you’ve ever been to the Paris or the Venician in Las Vegas…you’ll get this right away.  Overall I really enjoy the lightness of the image.  His muted pallet keeps this in a really fun place.  I also really enjoy how he’s used color holds all over.  That lends a LOT to giving this one even more of an animation feel to it.  If I had to pick out any criticisms about it…and it’s not an easy task…but maybe there’s a couple.  While I like the blue sky…it feel a little flat.  Maybe indicate somehow that it’s a sky light? Perhaps a reflection or glare off the glass? Or if the intention is to make it a painting on the ceiling…add some shadows and highlights to indicate that it is being lit.  The line art is indicating a curved ceiling  which would catch a lot of light and reflect in a fairly specific way.  Also, and I’m just seeing this now…I feel like the background wall and dinosaur bones could be just a little bit cooler.  The would really push the main figures forward.  But great work Kevin.  You’re awesome.

Next up is this submission by Steve!

Steve!

I love the saturation on the figures here.  They really pop.  Also leaving the brush strokes on the shading is great.  That’s a great, subtle way of adding energy to the piece.  And  having no fear on adding in the bright reflections on the lightning logos paid off big time.  I few comments about the piece that might be improved though would start with the background looking very flat.  The foreground, of course is the focus of the page…but we don’t want to skimp on any of the detail work in the background.  One other thing is that the highlights on Shazam’s legs are not even.  Viewer’s left has those long brush strokes running from thigh to knee.  Looking at viewer’s right leg though…it’s a rougher, short stroke running side-to-side on the leg.  The two sides don’t match very well and it’s very noticeable.  Try keeping those type of things consistent. But again, over all this is a great piece.  Nice work Steve!

And last but not least…this piece by CrazyFeetMcGee.

Crazyfeetmcgee

I love the mood that’s created here.  The pallet is kept dark and it’s brilliant.  CFMcG’s cut and grad technique here is perfect. The wrinkles in the clothing, the reflection on the lightning chest logos, and the reflection on the write bands: all perfect for me. He gave Black Adam a VERY dark complexion which I don’t mind at all.  I like that he held the WHOLE background slightly but not the dinosaur bones.  My only criticism would be that I wish the shadows, particularly on Shazam, had more levels to them.  His pants and stomach area seem slightly flat.  The highlights are good…but the lowlights could use a bump.  But great work!

So that’s it for now.  HUGE thanks to Mike Norton for letting us use a piece of his art for this challenge. Don’t forget that the art for this will stay up indefinitely so if you haven’t downloaded it yet…go to that now. Or tomorrow. Or in a year. Just remember to get there and start coloring!!