"Ashes of Time" by Joann L. Shipp

I really like all the elements in the pic. And I like the nice earthy tones you have in it with a splash of blue with the dress. Question though, are those large leaves in her hair? or a ribbon?

Joann L. Shipp replies: "I love earth tones. In regards to your question, it's a 50/50 (half right, half not). Yes, they are leaves, partly inspired by banana leaves, but the appearance really is supposed to 'loosely' mimic a moth's ears. It's part of her headpiece."

The proportions may be a bit weird, but the composition and the colours are great =)

Joann L. Shipp replies: "Thanks. Proportion is something I am still working on as well as Perspective."

Kudos on experimenting and taking a chance. This looks very cool. I think the colors are alright! And also,where in Va are you? Im in the Charlottesville area.

Joann L. Shipp replies: "*humbly bows* I am somewhere around the capital. *wink* I have such a difficulty with backgrounds that I thought by placing more than one character in the piece, I would achieve more depth."

i like the profile in the upper left. the shading is cool and the hair is different (experimental ?) in how it fades into the white. I love the eye decorations too, they're vaguely insect-like, intended i assume, as you wanted the head-piece to resemble a moth's wings (which, actually, is the first thing i thought of when i saw it). I also like the coloring of the dragon (or dragon-like creature), it's very pretty, especially against the green. the cloud is great too. my suggestions deal with proportions, but just in case you want to hear them anyway: the eyes, especially those of the profile, seem very small, but that could be a style choice. the woman's hips are a little odd--i think it's caused by the akwardness of her face being straight foward, her upper torso being twisted around to hold the ring, her hips facing somewhat inbetween the two (more to the front) and then the legs crossing each other, creating the feeling that they're facing more towards her right. Didja follow that? Great pic, and thanks for visiting my gallery too.

Joann L. Shipp replies: "I have been working hard for a while to improve upon variation in my figures. I have a bit of a tough time with porportions, but I do try. I think only practice and time will yield better results. However, I definitely appreciate your feedback, it gives me something to mull over."

I love it! The coloring looks so natural... I mean, don't looks colored on a computer program.
And I like the theme a lot!

And just a note: When it pleases the eye say "To the hell with the proportions"

Joann L. Shipp replies: "  Haha! Yes, throw caution to the wind. Who cares about porportions? I don't think Picasso did at times. Thanks for your kind words. "

OOoh, another Virginian! I like this one a lot--and not to worry about the colors--I think it is extremely well done! Ths concept and composition, and yes--the well-done colors are a treat to the eyes! ^_^

Joann L. Shipp replies: "Thanks! I have a profound love for earth tones. I was hoping the chakram would come out better but alas, no."

Cool picture. Don't be too modest, your colouring is fine. Wonderfull colours. And that profile is lovely, so delicate. Good. Keep it up. ^_^

Joann L. Shipp replies: "I am a rather modest person. I think my work can speak for itself, and I try hard. I hope that my artwork will only improve with practice. Thanks a lot for your kind words. "

OMG!
Everyone but me seems to be able to do this...
I luv it!
I can never add more than one person into one piece!'
The colors on this are really neat, they all seem to be warm and calming.

Luverly job!
Pop by my gallery sometime!
~Gothic Tigress~

Joann L. Shipp replies: "Thank you for your kind words. I can only say to practice and live out your imagination. One day I hope to have as many as five characters in one picture. "

Mhm, I love the firebird on the left. If that is what it is. If not I still like it ;-)
I only regrett I can not discern what the blue thing just right of the profile. Is that a snake? I know I am blind, but I’d really like to know.

Joann L. Shipp replies: "The firebird is my rendition of a phoenix. The blue thing, yeah, its a little hard to see but it supposed to be a wyvern or dragon."

Very cool, I like the colors and the style.