Plumeria Paradise

Alright, you asked for it <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/>

This is going to come off a little harsh. Please don't take it that way. I don't mean to imply in any way that you are a bad artist. You are actually really good, and I think you will be even better if I point out a few key flaws. I will give you some some suggestions (which you may feel free to take or leave) on how you can correct them.

1. Pose
This is a big one that many people totally overlook because they fail to understand just how important it is.
a. She looks like she's floating is space. You seem to believe that just because we can't see her feet, he'll just assume she's standing. The way her legs and hips are positioned, it looks as though she is off-balance and not supporting the weight of her body.
b. What's going on with her arms? I can't understand why she has them in that position. With no context (I.E. maybe if she were on a skateboard, or trying to catch a ball) the position of her arms looks unnatural.
c. too rigid. Her spine may as well be an iron bar that extends from her hips to the base of her cranium.
*advice draw the feet, even if you plan to omit them later, pay attention to the center of gravity. This DOES matter.

Perspective:
Her back is straight, but I can see the top of her shoulders, and the bottom of her crotch. I just can't tell where "eye level" is supposed to be.
*like I said before, draw the complete figure. Also, draw a horizon for reference.

2. Female form.
a. Girls have wide hips and skinny shoulders.
b. Girls have more body fat than men. Even if they are athletic, they will always have less muscle definition. Too much muscle in arms makes females look masculine, showing bones (especially ribs) makes them look unhealthy.
I understand you want her to be slender and athletic, but if you try too hard it almost always backfires.
*advice Use a photograph for reference, and if you are drawing a girl, MAKE HER HIPS WIDER! Even if you're worried she'll look chubby, do it anyway <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/w/w…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title="Wink/Razz"/> she won't when you're finished.

Face:
a. It's very flat, if it wasn't for her muzzle, it would be a pancake.
b. Her ears are sticking right out of the top of her head. They could come from the sides, and further back.
c. Eyes, they just don't work. I want to say they are too big/far apart, but that isn't necessarily a problem. They might just need to be tweaked.
d. Facial expression. I have no idea what this expression is! It's not even a blank expression... eyes open wide like she's surprised, eyebrows slanted like she's angry, head positioned directly forward. mouth is completely flat. She looks "intense" but I can't identify a mood or emotion.

Sorry for the wall of text, let me summarize one more time.
1. Pose is awkward. It looks like she's floating.
2. Very stiff. Spine straight, neck straight, head straight, eyes locked forward.
3. Confusing facial expression
4. Improper female form (looks masculine)
5. Minor anatomy flaws. (like the ears)

Still, this is a really good picture. I just wanted to point out a few things you should work on. Keep it up. Can't wait to see more.


On a positive. You use of color is excellent. Especially in the background. I can never get colors to look right, so I kind of envy you for that.