[C&C] Chimera

[Tori]

Hi, everyone!
I'm trying to make a Chimera, just for study.

I don't know but every pixel art I do seems to miss something. Sometimes I think the shadows and light are the problems, sometimes I miss realism..

Well, I'd like to receive some critiques in this piece I'm making.



The process I'm using to make the pixel art, just for curiosity:

[Tori]

I updated the some shapes/texture:



comparison:

[Skaz]

I's say the drawing in itself is pretty good, only thing bugging me is the contrast and colours. Take what I say with a grain of salt, colours are not my domain of expertise, but I tried to change the palette a bit.

Edited
Original

I just augmented the contrast of darker colours, and spread a little bit the hue shift of your palette. I only touched the fur, not the details of the tail and the horn. The volume is more clearer, the piece less flat. What do you think?

[wzl]

Your shading looks pretty much like a bevel/emboss filter. one edge is highlighted, one edge is darkened. makes it look like a flat piece of cardboard.
Try to imagine how the light would hit the forms. If you have trouble imagining it, use a reference. a picture of a wolf would do.



Speaking of which, basic shape when squinting looks alright. when looking at it normally you can immediately realize major issues with the anatomy. especially if you're interested in drawing chimeras i'd suggest look at the different creatures make-ups, bone constellations, try to figure out what makes them work, and you'll have a jolly good time combining different elements.

Additionally, id suggest to look at this thread.
http://pixelation.org/index.php?topic=19686.0
Its a treasure trove for this kind of sprite

[Tori]

Skaz, I like your edit, it gives more depth to it, thank you! I'm gonna work on colours and contrast. 

wzl, now that you said I'm seeing my shading really looks like a bevel/emboss filter.
I can imagine this thing about light hitting the forms. Thank you for the tip.
I'll take a look at this thread you suggested.