A-7E WIP

[Tweek]

Hello everyone

I wouldn't call myself 'new' here, although this is my first post on the forums!

I'm working on a new profile, of a Hellenic A-7E, which I spent a few hours on yesterday. Here it is so far:

(Full size is 2500 pixels across)


Now, I've not been 100% satisfied with my previous efforts, so I'd like a few pointers and tips as to where to progress from the stage I'm at with my current drawing.

Here's a couple I've done in the past, so that you can get an idea what I should improve on:





Basically I'm just looking for basic advice, e.g. the best way to shade an aircraft, which is what I'll be working on before I finish the livery.

I'm using Photoshop 7.0.

Cheers.

[adlabs6]

Hi there and welcome to SPS!

I like your work, very nice. Depending on the results you are aiming for, perhaps adding some extra highlighting effects on the upper parts of the planes might add to the 3D effect. When adding the shading, be careful to notice if the shading makes the aircraft look like the correct shape, such as slightly rounded, or more squared.

Also, just noticing the interiors of your planes, quite nice.

[Serval]

Welcome aboard

Well, basicly look good at highlights and shades on photo's try to eliminate what are shades from other objects.
Then approach such highlights and shades.

Examples for your images: Air intake of the F-5 looks a bit flat due to lacking highlight at the top of it.
Maybe a shade of the wing reflecting on the fuselage adds some effect to the Saab.

Asking for general tips often does not work very well. Show work ask for specific tricks and people tend to answer much more.

[Tweek]

Indeed, I suppose I should have made it a little clearer.

Anyway thanks for the responses, and I'll get back once I've advanced a little further with it.

[Supah]

Hi Tweek! Good to see you found your way here I always enjoyed the quality of your paintscheme's! Especially that tiger scheme must have tried your patience When it comes to shading it looks like you are making a mistake a lot of people make. They draw shading as a one piece affair and it really isnt. One way to make them look better is to draw a large very soft highlight/shadow that extends further up the plane and then near the edge draw a less opaque shadow/highlight which is more tightly feathered. This gives a much better effect IMO

For another "Trick" check out my post here ENAER T-35B Pillan - El Salvador - Page 2 - Military-Meshes.com I hope it helps Again, you are on the right path but I think you could get a major boost from some very simple techniques