Knife (palette practice)

[Elwin]

Hey, first post here (; I've recently been practicing with some more interesting colors, and then this knife came out as the result:
I have submitted it on pixeljoint, but decided that I could maybe do it better, while introducing myself here So, bring it on

[Hyrule_SwordsMan]

It looks like a stone sword. If it isn't then you should fix it.
Define more the shadows.

[Elwin]

What do you mean by defining the shadows? Do you mean making them not fade into the black?

[I Am Uh]

Cool colors, I must say though it looks much more like a dagger rather than a knife. It does look very much like stone, too much dithering for a smooth metal surface like a knife should have. I would also suggest making the handle a much different color, because it looks like the whole thing is all made out of the same material right now. Though I do love the way you've portrayed the shape of the blade.

[Opacus]

===>

Here's what I turn too when I'm stuck on colours:
http://www.pixeljoint.com/p/2203.htm
Study some of his colour choices. It will help.

On the edit I tried to make the colours more interesting and I removed most of the dithering.
Really, dithering can work on metal, but mostly only if you want rusty or dented texture.
Further I do think the colours leaned too much toward stone. It's metal, metal reflects alot so colours from the surrounding can reflect on it and create interesting hues.
And perhaps working on black is not a great idea. It can show you the wrong display of colours. Grey is a nice neutral background colour.

[Hyrule_SwordsMan]

less smooth shadows 

[Elwin]

Thanks for all the help I'll fix it as soon as possible

[Elwin]

Now I just need to find a way to make the colors blend without dithering...

[lilwing]

Forget about blending. That looks more like a clay sword than a metal one.

Metallic objects have broken shading. Study a reference before you continue, unless you like the stonehenge look.

[Elwin]

Of course ^^ I'll go and gather a pack of references then
Edit: Here is a new version, after studying some references:

[Elwin]

Sorry for the double post, but this was a long way down the page, and I don't think it's finished....

[Rydin]

I think the blade portion of the knife has come a long ways.  Good job.  Now, I think you should focus your attention more to the hilt.

Right now it feels like it's leaking up into the blade.  Most hilts are very straight, hard, and defined--except butter knifes maybe --and yours is very bubbly and meh.  Render and define the hilt more.

Also, I wanna comment on the handle.  It seems too short, for one...maybe extend it out a bit?  And secondly, it seems like its made from the same material as the rest of the knife.  You've done admirably well using colors to show lights and darks.  Now maybe try using color to not only show lights and darks, but substance as well.

Good luck, and welcome to Pixelation!

[Elwin]

Thank you, for both compliments and critic And as this is not a butterknife  I've made the handle longer, and defined the hilt a little more:

[Fool]

I think you should figure how to describe you volumes with colors, well, unless you want it to be just a colorful something.
May be a little example, perhaps just the way I see it and you may have something different in mind.

[Elwin]

Sorry, but I don't see your image fool

[TrevoriuS]

Direct link:
http://www.foolstown.com/misc/knife.gif

[Elwin]

Ahh, that's one awesome edit  I'll try and use my colors better, like in your edit

[Elwin]

Here is latest version: I still think there is a little with the shading on the hilt though, just doesn't know how to fix it

[Fool]

Shading will depend on how clear you see your object 3dimentionaly - try to draw with pencil different views of knife to find out what is round, what is flat, how round parts connect to flat ones, where are cavities and where are bumps etc. I know that is meant to be a palette practice, but to me all these things are related - you should figure your volumes to determine  shades you apply.

[Elwin]

Thank you fool, I believe this is better than before?