SS for IlaB - Naruto and Luffy

First off, I'd like to say that your work is always amazing, Jamie. You have such a talent for many kinds of drawings and digital art work, and so I figured instead of giving you a huge comment, I'd write a critique.

So onwards to the actual critique of this piece. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)" />

<img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="10" height="10" alt="" title="Bullet; Purple" /> First, I'd like to compliment you on your use of color and background. The use of blue in the background is absolutely beautiful. You've really improved over the last year with your landscape work, and the sea scape is good example of your wonderful job with water. The clouds are so fluffy, it makes the entire scene seem inviting. Excellent job.

<img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="10" height="10" alt="" title="Bullet; Purple" /> Always great anatomy work. Your skin tones are great, and you've really captured their build as individual characters in each pose. The poses almost seem to be reflections of one another, in a way, but they do seem a bit static to me. I don't think it's a bad thing, since it seems to be capturing who they are, but it's something to work on.

<img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="10" height="10" alt="" title="Bullet; Purple" /> Really,the only thing that bothers me is Luffy's closest hand. It looks as if just his fingers are touching. I'm not sure if it's just me or something, but I feel there could be a bit more depth there. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/let…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Lick)" /> Also, I might try adding a bit more shading to the hair, since it seems a little bland, but it doesn't affect the piece at all, just a suggestion for the future. The rest of the piece is well detailed, so it kinda seems out of place, in my opinion. The style is fantastic though, especially the movement in the wind. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)" />

<img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="10" height="10" alt="" title="Bullet; Purple" /> Your attention to detail is great. The shadows are what really got me. You've positioned them well and they blend in well to the background, like a real shadow would. Little things, like the scar on Luffy's cheek and the Hokage cloak are a few examples. I'm not current on the manga, but I thought Naruto had a seal on him around his navel. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/let…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Lick)" /> I don't know if they've hidden that or anything lately, but thought I'd just bring it up. It's not an important factor or anything, and actually, Naruto looks pretty smexy as a pirate, but just thought I'd point it out.

<img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="10" height="10" alt="" title="Bullet; Purple" /> Oh, and one more thing, I love the sea foam/spray coming up around them. It looks golden, almost, and glittering in the sun. One of my favorite things about the ocean is that kind of splash when you crash over a big wave, so thanks for capturing it so beautifully.

I really like this piece a lot, and I think you should be really proud of yourself. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/t/t…" width="40" height="18" alt="" title="Tight Hug" /> I hope your friend liked their gift! I know I do.

~Swim <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/r/r…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title="Rose" />