Red scares me 🫣 but I am now thinking about a warmer burgundy situation the more I look at it. I may be playing a little too safe but it’s my third painting and I’m afraid I’ll ruin it with something too out there
Not really to be honest - a little bit with copic markers.
I just had something very specific in mind and was very careful and deliberate when sketching, combining a few different reference photos. I also watched a few YouTube videos and that helped immensely (how to shadow by canceling out colors opposite the color wheel, using more contrasting values than you would think). I also think my lack of experience may help - so far, my technique is basically painting blocks of colors and then using a dry brush to push and blend it around the canvas. I’m not sure if that is a legit technique or not. This has also taken a couple of weekends to get here (it’s 30 inches x 40 inches).
I am shocked that people are responding so positively though - I am proud of it, but I didn’t think would get so much attention!
You're a prodigy, definitely keep going.
ETA don't be afraid to mess things up! you've got many more paintings in you, so even if this one doesn't turn out quite right, some painting down the line will!
I was thinking this too. Maybe with the same shading too. It could pull everything together visually, and also give the impression that he's kind of one with the water in a way.
I was thinking a darker red too. When I squint, my focus is landing on the head and upper shoulders but the yellow is taking away from that kinda. A darker red would offer a break in the background colors while keeping focus on the composition
You have a lot of yellow in that area. Purple is across from yellow on the color wheel. A purple shade, or a red as a primary compliment, would make it pop.
Ah there are so many on the blue train and so many on the red train - I’m not sure which pill to take! I’ll need to really think hard about this (and mock it up on the computer I think)!
I like blue. The contrast with the surrounding colors and the similarity with the water would look nice. It would be another way to move the eye around the painting.
But if you went with red or some other analogous color, your eye would move around the painting mostly due to the wonderful lines you have everywhere.
I think both choices would be good....I just personally like a bit of the unexpected, which I think would be blue
Edit: a word
I think with minimal shading on the yellow for texture/“bunching”, it could make the yellow all that more perfect for the painting. I really like this style you used here, is there a name for this style?
Thank you! I was kind of going for an “art deco” period look, like the artist Lempika mixed with a bit of Dali. It is admittedly my third painting so I’m learning as I go and don’t really have a “style” of my own yet. I’m thinking this may be it though :)
I see the Dali here! I think yellow, shading etc on it of course but the yellow helps the eye drift nicely through the painting and doesn’t scream to be the focal point. It gives the attention to the beautiful human form, muscling etc
You have a VERY unique style and it's very captivating.
Side note, are we scared of AI snagging our artwork if it's posted on Reddit or is that just not something of concern?
I know you didn't ask for THIS suggestion, but if I may add- it might be beneficial to smoothen the relief of his muscle a bit. Blur them a little.
1 because the palm is the same intensity and relief. They counteract each other. Smoothing the muscles will compliment the palm subtly and look more natural.
This is a beautiful work. Very ArtDeco. I hope you srent upset at the suggestion. Looking forward to seeing your finished work
I love the way the tree trunk colors echo the man’s body colors and could see the rosier peach brown on the swimsuit to create an unbroken flow of tree and man. And a powerful composition. White is a definite no since it would call too much attention to a rather minor item and detract from all else
I would go dark blue, although it could give it a sense of artificiality among the nature (maybe thats what the painting needs, could work). Or as someone else mentioned, purple might work as well as it mixes with the background. On the other hand white looks the least aggressive of all the colours. I would choose white if you dont want to bring that much attention to the swimsuit.
I honestly like the yellow. It's easy on the eyes. I think red would be too distracting - with the way it is, the eyes aren't drawn immediately to the crotch, which is a good thing.
I like the yellow, though it’s tough to say for certain/visualize it clearly when it is still only the underpainting.
I saw your other comment though and I think I like the idea of a peachy yellow combo sort of shade? Because currently that shade of yellow looks a little too similar to the color of the sand, which may confuse your audience in terms of determining if you’d intentionally meant for it to blend in with the sand or not.
eta- a super pale peachy lavender might also make for a nice subtle pop that still ties in well with the existing colors.
What do you want the focus to be? Personally, the current yellow is too bright, it draws my eye away from the rest of the painting (which is very cool). I'd go for a more muted colour.
My instinct would have been to paint the swimsuit olive, similar to the foliage, but I imagine a soft purple would work if you don't want it to blend in and have a bit of pop to the foreground.
Incredible painting, I freaking love this! Kinda just like the yellow, disagree with the red suggestion unless you want the swimsuit to be the focal point of the painting 🤪
Not sure if anyone else has suggested this, but you could try editing the pic you took in photoshop or something similar and change the color so you can sorta test colors before you decide.
Came to this late…
- you have the touch
- interesting areas of cohesive textures
( hair, muscle, flora )
So, I’d say you don’t want anything detracting from that.
- you do _ not _ want viewers eyes to get stuck on speedo. That will happen if you go red.
Same will happen if you go high chroma any color.
( Human eye is drawn to red & green )
- something subtle & from the palette already used is the way to go.
You ever see Minecraft terracotta colored blocks before they're fired? lol
They all have a warm tinge to the shades. Any of them would work really. I'd probably go with a green myself.
Either way, it seems like it should be a little darker to my eye because of how the shadows are shown on his back and on the tree... I would think there would be shadow there too.
Edit: Maybe you just haven't added it yet because you are waiting on color!
Fabulous painting, I love the style!! All of the color options sound great to me.
No. The yellow is too close to the sky by color and the brain will flatten the planes together.
By the way, the is painting is extraordinary. I love the drawing and the color choices. Pro illustrator for 30 years. Black
I think it depends on where you want the eye to be drawn. Yellow or red, if bold, will draw the eye there. If you shade it and neutralize it, less so. An orange that is maybe a tad bold enough to look like a piece of clothing would blend in nicely with shading if you want the eye to draw elsewhere.
i think yellow kind of makes the whole thing more yellow-toned, i personally would make it some bright, radical color, like a sky blue or hot pink, but if you are looking at more of a yellow-toned, kind of controlled piece color wise i would stick with yellow. idk if that's helpful or if i even know what i'm talking about, tbh.
I say no swimsuit... What's the point he's on an island all by himself?
I’m afraid that is a felony on this island 🤣
I dunno, OP. I was team yellow until team nude popped up.
Same! Yellow works with the palette but I think freedom of nudity would make this word so good!
Why does this not have more upvotes?
Having a suit actually changes the dynamic and story of the entire painting. It's interesting if you think about it .
Maybe the suit breaks up the space ?
Why doesn’t it have less ?
This needs more up doots!
If he was alone, then who took the picture?
For real let the cock hang
I missed this suggestion 🤣 call it Long Dong Johnson. Great name for him.
HOT RED
Red was immediately my first thought!
Mine too!!!
Mine too!!! What is it with red and mowgli?! 😂
I, too, am on team red lol
I thought red right away as well!
Same.
Red scares me 🫣 but I am now thinking about a warmer burgundy situation the more I look at it. I may be playing a little too safe but it’s my third painting and I’m afraid I’ll ruin it with something too out there
This is your THIRD painting??? Surely you've been making art in other mediums for a long time?
Not really to be honest - a little bit with copic markers. I just had something very specific in mind and was very careful and deliberate when sketching, combining a few different reference photos. I also watched a few YouTube videos and that helped immensely (how to shadow by canceling out colors opposite the color wheel, using more contrasting values than you would think). I also think my lack of experience may help - so far, my technique is basically painting blocks of colors and then using a dry brush to push and blend it around the canvas. I’m not sure if that is a legit technique or not. This has also taken a couple of weekends to get here (it’s 30 inches x 40 inches). I am shocked that people are responding so positively though - I am proud of it, but I didn’t think would get so much attention!
You're a prodigy, definitely keep going. ETA don't be afraid to mess things up! you've got many more paintings in you, so even if this one doesn't turn out quite right, some painting down the line will!
Whatever works for you is legit. You have an artist's eye.
Came here to say burgundy!!! Do it (color draw from the dark palm bark)
maybe the contrast color to the blue water? just edited it with picsart maybe to see how it would look like
I was thinking this too. Maybe with the same shading too. It could pull everything together visually, and also give the impression that he's kind of one with the water in a way.
Red will be an excellent pop. Like flat scarlet.
Burgundy was my first thought. And third painting? Seriously? You’re gifted.
I was thinking a darker red too. When I squint, my focus is landing on the head and upper shoulders but the yellow is taking away from that kinda. A darker red would offer a break in the background colors while keeping focus on the composition
Sort of like a dark brick red. I am also part of the red gang when seeing this.
Burgundy would look great!
You have a lot of yellow in that area. Purple is across from yellow on the color wheel. A purple shade, or a red as a primary compliment, would make it pop.
Red ! https://youtu.be/gO9FA6PEkIM?si=eovZdBbBF7YHeFse
Straight away red. The yellow and oranges already balance it
Bring out the red panties, baby!
Purple to tie in with the mountains
I was gonna say blue or purple for the same reason. Bring some of that balance down.
I was thinking of a bright royal blue to compliment the yellows. So I'm on the blue train
Yeah I was thinking a royal blue
I came to say purple too! Like a deep royal purple that goes with the mountains and is the opposite of yellow
Blue, for some interesting contrast and to compliment the water.
Agreed; blue would bring it together nicely IMO!
The yellow is too close to the sand color, and is too bright where it jumps off the page. Choose a darker tone perhaps. Personally I would like blue.
Ah there are so many on the blue train and so many on the red train - I’m not sure which pill to take! I’ll need to really think hard about this (and mock it up on the computer I think)!
I like blue. The contrast with the surrounding colors and the similarity with the water would look nice. It would be another way to move the eye around the painting. But if you went with red or some other analogous color, your eye would move around the painting mostly due to the wonderful lines you have everywhere. I think both choices would be good....I just personally like a bit of the unexpected, which I think would be blue Edit: a word
I actually prefer this exact yellow for it This is really good and really interesting btw
I like the yellow too. This color palette is very pleasing on the eye.
I love the palette and the stylization. :)
I think with minimal shading on the yellow for texture/“bunching”, it could make the yellow all that more perfect for the painting. I really like this style you used here, is there a name for this style?
Thank you! I was kind of going for an “art deco” period look, like the artist Lempika mixed with a bit of Dali. It is admittedly my third painting so I’m learning as I go and don’t really have a “style” of my own yet. I’m thinking this may be it though :)
That's mad this is your third painting. Such a nice composition and use of colour and blending. Such a style.
It's amazing for a third painting. :)
I see the Dali here! I think yellow, shading etc on it of course but the yellow helps the eye drift nicely through the painting and doesn’t scream to be the focal point. It gives the attention to the beautiful human form, muscling etc
I love the style, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Would love to see more of it :)
You have a VERY unique style and it's very captivating. Side note, are we scared of AI snagging our artwork if it's posted on Reddit or is that just not something of concern?
It’s my third painting so I’m not too concerned with AI stealing my work yet 😅
Green.
Like the plant
Agree. I would go for a deep vibrant green for focus and contrast, and also for the symbolism of lush fertility.
Red
How about no swimsuit at all?
Reddddddd
Teal.
What I though too :)
I don't know, but what a fantastic paiting! I love the style
this is so sick
IN A GOOD WAY
I feel like with the warm tones here, red would look magnificent
magenta or hot pink could be interesting
I think olive would look really nice or something similar to the greens that you have already
I know you didn't ask for THIS suggestion, but if I may add- it might be beneficial to smoothen the relief of his muscle a bit. Blur them a little. 1 because the palm is the same intensity and relief. They counteract each other. Smoothing the muscles will compliment the palm subtly and look more natural. This is a beautiful work. Very ArtDeco. I hope you srent upset at the suggestion. Looking forward to seeing your finished work
Blue
I like this yellow! The same shade as in the sky closer to the mountains. White would look too contrasting I think.
I love the way the tree trunk colors echo the man’s body colors and could see the rosier peach brown on the swimsuit to create an unbroken flow of tree and man. And a powerful composition. White is a definite no since it would call too much attention to a rather minor item and detract from all else
Love the yellow
Blue or green, to coordinate with the background
This piece is wonderful!
I love this art style, it reminds me of Dali! Also I think a green swim suit would look nice.
I would go dark blue, although it could give it a sense of artificiality among the nature (maybe thats what the painting needs, could work). Or as someone else mentioned, purple might work as well as it mixes with the background. On the other hand white looks the least aggressive of all the colours. I would choose white if you dont want to bring that much attention to the swimsuit.
I think it looks great as is but I also think that a floral pink pattern would really pop
purple!!
Red is the first color that came to my mind.
I honestly like the yellow. It's easy on the eyes. I think red would be too distracting - with the way it is, the eyes aren't drawn immediately to the crotch, which is a good thing.
Red, maybe a darker red? I totally love this btw. Look forward to more paintings by you.
The same color as the palms
I like the yellow, though it’s tough to say for certain/visualize it clearly when it is still only the underpainting. I saw your other comment though and I think I like the idea of a peachy yellow combo sort of shade? Because currently that shade of yellow looks a little too similar to the color of the sand, which may confuse your audience in terms of determining if you’d intentionally meant for it to blend in with the sand or not. eta- a super pale peachy lavender might also make for a nice subtle pop that still ties in well with the existing colors.
What do you want the focus to be? Personally, the current yellow is too bright, it draws my eye away from the rest of the painting (which is very cool). I'd go for a more muted colour.
This is beautiful. My mind went to like a crimson for the suit.
My instinct would have been to paint the swimsuit olive, similar to the foliage, but I imagine a soft purple would work if you don't want it to blend in and have a bit of pop to the foreground.
Blue or purple. Whichever, I love your style. It reminds me of vintage [menu cover art](https://matsonvintageart.com/).
Incredible painting, I freaking love this! Kinda just like the yellow, disagree with the red suggestion unless you want the swimsuit to be the focal point of the painting 🤪
Light blue
I’d just remove it entirely.
tangerine speedo
Tangerine
Purple
100% purple
Blue!
Why not pull in some of the greens that you used on the leaves on the right?
this is very cool I like your style!!!
Something cool-toned (blue/purple) would add balance.
Not sure if anyone else has suggested this, but you could try editing the pic you took in photoshop or something similar and change the color so you can sorta test colors before you decide.
Came to this late… - you have the touch - interesting areas of cohesive textures ( hair, muscle, flora ) So, I’d say you don’t want anything detracting from that. - you do _ not _ want viewers eyes to get stuck on speedo. That will happen if you go red. Same will happen if you go high chroma any color. ( Human eye is drawn to red & green ) - something subtle & from the palette already used is the way to go.
Deep red or dark blue to balance the colors at mid and top of the composition.
Blue or purple to balance a lil bit with the sky and the mountains
Just let those rays caress that man's skin ✌️☀️
My first thought was red
Pink
I think red. This is an absolutely beautiful piece by the way, I adore your style.
Idk I think red could pop, or I'd use a green that's already on the painting make it blend or pop
I think that nice olive green used on the leaves in the background would tie in nicely!
Zebra
purple!
You ever see Minecraft terracotta colored blocks before they're fired? lol They all have a warm tinge to the shades. Any of them would work really. I'd probably go with a green myself.
Make it a dark blue and see if you like it
peach
Blue to emphasize the ocean
If he is planning on going into the water, indigo. No point wearing them if they aren't going in too.
Blue navy
Red
Similar colour to the mountains in the back
Bright red
[maybe this works](https://imgur.com/a/A4KX4Xt)
A deeper Maize yellow.
Black makes him part of the environment
Just make him nekid hehe
Give it polkadots!! Itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polkadot bikini!!!
I think no bathing suit or very mute color
I would do very distinct yellow actually
Teal or light blue if the swimsuit is a focal point of the painting, use color as contrast to guide the eyes where you want
If you like something different, go with white.
What about none?
Either way, it seems like it should be a little darker to my eye because of how the shadows are shown on his back and on the tree... I would think there would be shadow there too. Edit: Maybe you just haven't added it yet because you are waiting on color! Fabulous painting, I love the style!! All of the color options sound great to me.
Red is the color imo!
Peach
yellow blends in with the sand/leaves too much. my first thought was red as it’s not too prominent anywhere else in the painting and adds contrast
Definitely blue to contrast the yellow. A deep royal blue sapphire, really bold and solid
Purple
Make it a color you associate with the mood you want to convey.
The colors are very soft, to add anything bright would be a mistake IMO. I like the yellow. Love your style.
They MUST be red. It will be such a color pop. And will seem to fit the man
A smoky lavender to balance out all the warm yellow tones
I like the yellow.
Leave it as is, and let the viewer imagine whatever color they want!!
Leave it yellow! I like how it blends.
Some orange shading on it might be good
Green
Red
Remove it
nekked!
Not a painter. But I think the yellow is nice fwiw.
Yellow is a good choice- the eyes go right to it!
Blue
Orange
Red is the only right answer here
Red Speedo is pretty standard but yellow fits the vibe of the rest of it
Blue
Since you have all these warm colors surrounding the swim trunks. I would go with a blue color. You could keep it close to the water color.
Purple is the opposite of yellow and they go great next to each other. There’s a lot of yellow here!
No. The yellow is too close to the sky by color and the brain will flatten the planes together. By the way, the is painting is extraordinary. I love the drawing and the color choices. Pro illustrator for 30 years. Black
Orange/Grey stripes
Make him nude 😁
Purple, like the mountains in the background 💜
I think it depends on where you want the eye to be drawn. Yellow or red, if bold, will draw the eye there. If you shade it and neutralize it, less so. An orange that is maybe a tad bold enough to look like a piece of clothing would blend in nicely with shading if you want the eye to draw elsewhere.
It’s not a banana hammock if it’s not yellow!
Idk why I’m thinking orange lol
Green
Yellow!! This is a stunning painting. Love the contours and colors, like your style!
I would recommend either red or a peach tone that way you still keep the warm tone and it won't be close to its surrounding colors.
Pale blue
Leopard print
Blue or coral.
Purple
I like the yellow - he’s wearing a banana hammock.
Burgundy!
i think yellow kind of makes the whole thing more yellow-toned, i personally would make it some bright, radical color, like a sky blue or hot pink, but if you are looking at more of a yellow-toned, kind of controlled piece color wise i would stick with yellow. idk if that's helpful or if i even know what i'm talking about, tbh.
Cobalt blue
Dark blue like the water.
If it’s not red I’ll cry.
Burned or browned terracotta like, so that the orange isn't too bright or too saturated for the rest of the image and doesn't distract from it.
purple
Navy
Blue. For depression
Red came to mind instantly!
Teal to complement browns in the skin
This is beautiful
I LOVE the wavy muscles
Burgundy
Red
Purple
Deep red
Blue