The guy with the GUN

[Louise T. Dailey]

Steven and Alex-
Wonderful! This is just the kind of feedback I was hoping for. The reciever of the gun is indeed a silver metal (chrome...nickel...???) that has engraving on it. I will knock it back, and implement everything else you suggest. I too saw that the background looks like one of those studio photo places backdrops, and it has been really bothering me. I just didn't know what do do about it. I did actually take these reference photos outside just before sunset, and in front of a marsh :-).
Thank you!
Louise

[Alexandra Tyng]

Hi again, Louise,

I hope you are not embarrassed to post reference photos since the discussion on photos vs. life came up in the creativity section. I always like to see reference material if the artist is willing. It should provide clues as to why you are dissatisfied with the setting. It could be an overall problem of how to show the light, but I can't tell unless I see what you are working from.

Alex

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Louise T. Dailey

The receiver of the gun is indeed a silver metal (chrome...nickel...???) that has engraving on it. I will knock it back, and implement everything else you suggest.

It may be (check your reference) that there are in fact reflected darks, or even oranges from the shirt, that could be worked into that metal to tone down part of it. A little bit of highlight will alone "say" metal more than painting the whole area "silver."

A cautionary note on the background -- don't go into it and create a lot of busy values contrast, or it will come forward and compete with your subject. A little bit of glazing or scumbling over an area, with perhaps a carefully placed highlight or dark accent, should work.