"Changing Tide" by Eric L. Stukes

I agree totally with the enthusiastic people who comment before me. This really is a lovely mermaid in a wonderful world. The clouds in the background and the waves are stunning! What struck me most is the detail on her skin. I can't remember I've ever seen it before and yet it's so speaks for itself, this IS the skin of a mermaid. Great picture, Eric!

Eric L. Stukes replies: "Diversity. Diversity. Diversity."

WOW! I am so jealous. I know that you like to hear how you can improve, but this is really spectacular. The water is so accurately drawn, I can only imagine how long that must have taken ^^ I love your vision of merpeople, the scales going all the way up the torso, very cool. That little cliff she is leaning on looks very reall too. Gosh, the whole composition is just breath taking Eric, I really like this one. In fact, this is probably my favorite mermaid here in Elfwood, she's gorgeous!

One thing, I personally may have made her fingers a bit longer, but they look good. Oh yeah, and I like her gills there.

Eric L. Stukes replies: "Thanks again for visiting my page and commenting. And you are right, it did take a long time. Try the whole month of March. Too many artists rush their work and are not patient enough. When you can draw a little and walk away, when you come back later, new ideas may arise and the artwork percieved in a different perspective."

*first comment dance* Wow! I get the first comment on this one! Incredible work as always Eric. You obviously put a lot into your ladies and the results are magnificent! You handled some tuff spots really well (the foreshortened arm for example) and the face is very beautiful and unique. I like the added detail of the ship in the background too. Keep 'em coming!

Eric L. Stukes replies: "I tried to steer away from the hum drum as much as possible. For instance, there is no mermaid tail shown. However one still knows it's a mermaid. "

Oh wow, this is beautiful! And at such a complicated pose. I mean not only is she at 3/4 position, but her arms require a good deal of placement stretegy and foreshortening, and then you've got her back/shoulder to deal with, which has always been a key difficulty for myself. You have drawn all this superbly with a great result. I just really love it! And you certainly have not skimped on the background! It is very fitting and well done. Wonderful, wonderful.
Oh, and its a plus that I love merpeople so much. ^_^

Eric L. Stukes replies: "Thanks Trina. Your comment's appreciated."

Wow! Gorgeous pencilwork! All the detail in every little thing... What patience you must have! It all paid off very well, I'd say. *thumbs up*

Whoa... yep, "the whole month of March" sounds about right, when you look at it! I am (sadly) one of those artists that doesn't take the time to leave a pic and come back - if I DO leave it, it's almost for certain that I never come back at all... Anyhow, this is just spectacular - the water, the clouds, the cliff, the ship... everything is great. Also, the proportions of the mermaid, the whole anatomy, in fact, looks splendid (though I have to agree with Rachael, here, in that the fingers could be slightly longer, and perhaps shaded a bit more)...

All in all, awesome work. I can't understand that you didn't get a mod's choice award for this one! Keep up the great work!

Really good stuff. I envy those that can take a piece all the way to completion, and you do that with this one in grand style. Your textures are great, and the complex compisition only adds to the the whole feeling of "being there". Any advice I could give would be concerning the dark outline of the figure itself, try to keep that to a minimum. Create the illusion with contrast instead of a line and the effect will amaze you as well as the viewer.

Compisition is important, and hard to pull off well. You show good ability with this one - great job *tips his hat*.

I don't think I care for the scales on her breasts. They look slightly wrong. I'm not sure that a line of scale would flow around such a contour so smoothly. Scales go from front to back, so the whole flow of the scale placement would start from her breasts, not end there. I would think that the scales would either fan out and cover the entire lower portion of her breasts, and keep at least that thickness down her torso. Either that, or start under the breasts.

The picture as a whole is marvelous. It's the little details that give it life. The texture of the cliff, the water, the ship, and the clouds are all great additions to the piece as a whole. I also like the stripes on her body.

I think the best aspect of this picture, is the fact that her hair looks wet. It should be obvious that it would be, but most artists miss this detail.

I love this lil mermaid she reminds me so much of my own sea maiden.^^ I love the way to rendered the water. I have yet to leanr how to so such a thing.^^ Stop by my gallery I have fresh new artwork.^^

Well done !!!