I would like some advice

[Nebula]

So I have recently decided to get back into drawing. Anyways I am currently working on a christmas present for a friend. I know my anatomy needs work as I started with a more cartoony style however I am more interested with advice for fur.

Here is a work in progress.


With it are the pencils that I have used to colour it in so far. I am mainly using the prismacolor verithins for it with a few premiers (with the white part I shall use the premiers more due to the larger variety of grays)

Anyways, I am finding that the colouring looks a little uncolourful so are there any colours I should mix in with the fur? (I like a bit of a shiny look)
Also, it there a good way to determine which direct the fur on the head should go? (Looking at photos helps, however experience is nice too)

Lastly any ideas for a background?

Thanks for your time.

[Vinillix]

Green earth background.

Like a 'field' of bamboo.
But don't make it too sharp or detailed.
Just enough to tell what it is, and to tell them apart.

It should make the panda stand out.
Plus the panda is holding a bamboo stick which I assume you'll color green.

Looks really nice so far!
Keep it up.

[Nebula]

Mmm, a bamboo forrest would be nice
Not sure if I can succefully pull of a blurry backfround, simply as I like my stiff being sharp I (with traditonal stuff that is). I however agree that green is the way to go. Thanks for the input.

[Vinillix]

No problem!
But I didn't mean 'blurry'
But just not too sharp that it takes the focus from the panda.

Don't get me wrong sharp is great, but 'too-sharp' backgrounds aren't the greatest idea if you aren't doing a scenery drawing.

Who knows maybe both ways it'll look amazing!


Oh and different shades of green. To make it look natural and colorful. 8D

[Nebula]

I decided on a simple outline of bamboo, simply as doing a full background is time consuming
I shall show you the finished product.. Still working on the fur however.

[Riolu]

I love your drawing but the fur on the body and baldness of the face makes me feel like the panda is contradicting itself. Could you either shorten the hair on it's body and add a little fur on it's ears or make it totally cartoon-ish with no fur?

[Vinillix]

And when you finish it, you should post it. (:
Would love to see it finished.