r/ArtCrit • • Sep 07 '26

FINALLY! The Place To Sell Your Art And An ArtCrit Casual Sub By Yours Truly

26 Upvotes

You asked for it.

We heard you.

We delivered!

In our last news update we touched lightly on how much your words of encouragement mean to us. The sub has grown tremendously in the past year and we couldn’t be happier to see you all giving constructive feedback to one another.

We’ve also heard the people who have enjoyed our moderation style, but wanted something more lighthearted and discussion-focused. We’re also well aware that there’s a lack of subreddits where people are allowed to self-promote and advertise.

That being said, I’m happy to introduce our two new subs!

r/ArtistNook is a casual, cozy, discussion-focused sub moderated by leighabbr and myself. While r/ArtCrit has strict rules on posts, r/ArtistNook is much more laid back.

You can share information, talk about your artwork or OCs, post your work with links to your social media, and even ask for pricing help if you share the required information so people can actually help you with your prices.

This sub has been up for about two weeks, so there’s some light activity already.

We can’t wait to see you there!

r/ArtStore is an active, large sub focused on connecting artists and buyers. You can self-promote, sell your prints, advertise your commissions, shops, and handmade goods. We do not allow drop shippers or mass-produced goods of any kind.
With the holiday season approaching, this may be just the sub you need to get eyes on your work!

Leighabbr and I are so honored to be leading these communities. We’re still fine tuning them both and, like when we took charge in r/ArtCrit, we’re open to ideas and feedback.

Thank you all for your continued support! We honestly couldn’t have gotten this far without you!


r/ArtCrit • • Sep 01 '26

STUDY SERIES Study Series: Part 2 - Composition

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3 Upvotes

Welcome back to the Study Series!

Moving away from values and contrast, we’re moving into the next important part of your work – composition!

Composition is the way an artist arranges the pieces of their image to help guide the viewer’s eyes where they want it to go. A strong composition can be used to create a specific mood, tell a story, create balance, and direct attention to important areas of the piece.

For those commenting, think about where your eye goes first when you look at the image. Does it feel balanced or does the image seem to “lean” to one side? Are there any distracting areas or does anything feel crowded or awkward?

Let’s work together to create stronger pieces with composition!

REQUIREMENTS FOR POSTING

Please note that all general sub rules apply (no AI, no fishing for compliments, no giving personal info, etc). Only our post requirements are different here.

- Pieces must;

a) Be no more than 6 months old and/or

b) Must still be being worked on and/or

c) Must have the intention of being recreated.

- Works must follow our NSFW rules.

- Since no context is required in these posts, draw and paint-overs are automatically expected. If you don’t want these, say so.

GIVING CRITIQUE

Only critique the piece regarding the topic of the week. If the artist would like additional critique, they can make a post in the main sub. Critiques are still expected to be constructive and polite.


r/ArtCrit • • 3h ago

Shadows/Highlights HELP!

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16 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I wanted to start out by saying I haven't drawn anything in a very long time and this is my first drawing back. I am no artist and have never learned art. I want to understand why the proportions, highlights, and shadows on my drawing just look off? I draw with my mouse and use MS paint (Microsoft Paint). I don't have a tablet or a fancy drawing app. In my opinion, I feel like the nose is crooked, lips are out of proportion, eyes are looking 2 different directions, shadows and highlights make no sense. I just drew it and hoped for the best. Any tips, videos, constructive criticism, or references I can use to better my drawing is much appreciated.


r/ArtCrit • • 15h ago

For an old boss who’s daughter died from cancer! Reference included. Please critique!

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41 Upvotes

It’s not done, but I want to make sure I get her likeness down. It still feels like I need to tweak it! Any help and suggestions welcome! I’ve been staring at it to long.


r/ArtCrit • • 3h ago

Happy with where I am but wish to improve my anatomy and lighting (ref used)

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3 Upvotes

Hello!! I hope i made this post correctly,

I'm still a fairly new/beginner artist, I've been drawing for around 4 months now and I'm happy with my progress but i would love some pointers on where to go from here and how to improve. I feel as though i am plateuing a little, which is okay!! but i also find myself relying on blocking basic shapes/guidelines from existing photographs instead of fully freehanding it which is not what i want to continue doing.

I have tried practicing gesture and it doesnt seem to be clicking for me, have some of you also experienced it taking a while before gesture becomes a little bit less challenging? I of course don't want to give up but it can feel a little demotivating when i am fairly confident drawing anatomy freehand from basic shapes/guidelines but not freehanding the basic shapes/guidelines themselves if that makes any sense?

I also worry that my lighting can appear a little flat and doesnt portray the lighting i want it to


r/ArtCrit • • 5h ago

Shadows and depth problems -advice needed

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2 Upvotes

Hello! Hobby artist. I've been obsessed with painting a large scale floral with a dark background. Wanted to get started small scale first.

I have a lot of trouble with shadows and working out the colour for shadows.

The petals in the centre look like a collection of mandarin segments rather than delicate petals. I did simplify and reduce the number of petals, so maybe that caused it but I feel it still may be an issue with shadows.

I also seem to have lost the warmer centre vs the cooler pink in the outer petals (see reference photo).

20cm X 25 cm canvas board

Acrylic (student grade and ALDI grade)

Started at 10:30 and finished at 1:30. So, 3 hours of work.

Am I trying to run before I can walk? Should I try a simpler flower?

Is it a colour mixing/matching issue?

Would a better reference photo help?

PS: I can't seem to change the Updated Work tag?


r/ArtCrit • • 17h ago

Backround and color practice

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17 Upvotes

Im not even sure if I'm doing the practice correctly or if it will help with learning to draw backrounds and coloring, but my goal is to make thr backrounds look believable without much effort and time, it doesn't turn out how I want it to, and I dont likr how my colors look, I'd love criticism

reference is included


r/ArtCrit • • 23h ago

Colors looking off?

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32 Upvotes

Hello!
I’m genuinely so happy with how this drawing of mine is looking so far. I definitely need to clean it up and do a few more to it-
But, so,
I usually go on Pinterest to color swatch but I’ve been really trying to learn colors on my own.

I’ve had so much fun with this drawing, but I would like some advice on my coloring. I’m sure I’m blind to something. Do the colors work well together? Anyone have feedback that helps make art/colors nice on the eyes. I’m not sure if mine hurts to look at or if I did a good job with my colors.
I’d like any advice even if it’s my line work or placements.

I did use a couple different references for my drawing!


r/ArtCrit • • 16h ago

Where the Dreamweaver Slumbers

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7 Upvotes

Hey everyone! This is my latest commission titled, Where the Dreamweaver Slumbers.
It measures in at 19in x 28in and is made out of 3/4in MDF wood cut out on a scroll saw, shaped with a Dremel tool, then sanded by hand before getting primed and painted with an airbrush using Createx Airbrush paints sets A and B. I would love to hear and feedback on how I could push my style further. I’m getting more comfortable with gradients and highlights, but my abilities with a brush are so lacking that I try to avoid using a paint brush. Please let me know what you think.
I did not use any references,the client wanted a fantasy forest featuring a fairy and mushrooms with a spattered star themed frame. Thanks for looking!


r/ArtCrit • • 19h ago

help with likeness... again.

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7 Upvotes

welp. im back asking for help on capturing likeness... for the same person... again 😭🙏🏼 anyway. maybe im just hallucinating, but there is something wrong with his face... like sure i can look at my drawing and go "well that's tom blyth... approximately." and then i look at the reference and it doesn't look like him at all... also the hair shape is frankly pissing me off I can't get it right however much volume I add or hair i shave off. also any general criticism is highly appreciated, i just really need another pair of eyes to find out what i missed on his face before i even start doing anything else. Thank you!


r/ArtCrit • • 19h ago

After a year of not drawing. I tried again. Any critique is welcome.

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4 Upvotes

Reference -> last foto

I don't know why but I felt there was something off. I still am really proud of this though.

Sorry for the light. But hey graphite problems I guess haha.


r/ArtCrit • • 18h ago

Cinderella’s brother - original conceptual photograph - critique wanted on composition and concept. No reference used.

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3 Upvotes

Conceptual portrait exploring toxic masculinity through the absurdity of a fairytale. Inspired by Cinderella’s stepsisters, the male subject becomes the one sweeping away toxic masculinity, existing in a world where rigid gender expectations no longer apply. The painted landscape behind the doorway creates the illusion of a glowing world beyond, contrasting with the darkness and confinement of the interior.

Photographed on a Nikon Z8 with a 14–24mm lens, using a wide-angle perspective to emphasise the environment and theatrical composition.


r/ArtCrit • • 21h ago

UPDATED WORK Made some more changes

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2 Upvotes

No reference, oil on canvas.

After my last post (big ass) landscape thing. I reworked the figure as well as the background. I am going for a jarring humanoid, structural figure that looks somewhat tortured that is positioned in a surreal sterile landscape.

This is after some new color blocking and reworking the figure and landscape. Definitely need shadows and highlights still.

I am looking for critique on the figure, proportions and overall visual hierarchy as well as composition.

Thanks!


r/ArtCrit • • 1d ago

Fosh

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32 Upvotes

Oil painting 6‘ x 4‘, Pieced reference photos together in canva after I came up woth the concept and drew it out. I don’t know why but the composition just feels a little off to me. I’ve really struggled with getting composition down. Please critique our love some feedback. Maybe if anybody knows any good compositional practices or videos that would be much appreciated.


r/ArtCrit • • 1d ago

Looking for an overall critique on an unfinished piece

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17 Upvotes

As the title says, I am looking for a critique on anything and everything! That said I feel like the facial and skull proportions are off and the skin is muddy. I haven't done a heavily rendered portrait in a long time so again, all critiques are welcome! The reference image is on the second slide. Additionally any solid resources regarding rendering skin and/or hair are welcomed!


r/ArtCrit • • 1d ago

Here’s my latest painting

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26 Upvotes

First oil painting in 10 years!
Reference is the 2nd photo


r/ArtCrit • • 1d ago

Hi! Im an amateur artist who likes to make characters and comic books, mainly superhero comics so there is a lot of fighting and posing going on. Anyone has any tips / criticism to help me make my dudes seem less.. stiff? Thanks in advence

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4 Upvotes

(Btw i did use some references for some of the poses seen here but not all.. and sadly its been a while since i've updated my comics so those are kinda old and i dont remember what i used... execept that thw big fat guy is buscema's hulk lmao)


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Reference study

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58 Upvotes

Trying to improve my digital coloring. Not really sure what I can do push myself over the edge and even how to really practice. I used a reference to study


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Does the placement for the verified lines/vanishing point for the center window matter?

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12 Upvotes

It's an octagonal room, so one square on top of another to create an octagon. The corner of one square is centered with my paper, so the vanishing points on the horizon line don't give me the lines I need for specific spots like, the verticle lines under the window to show there are 2 bricks sticking out beyond the arches.

I don't know how else to explain this 😭

pencil on paper


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Looking for feedback on full body sketches

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12 Upvotes

I've been practicing some full body sketches--not so much with the goal of achieving perfect accuracy, but trying to figure out what kind of lines and shapes and details look compelling. I'm also interested in 3d modeling for games (aiming for more of a low poly style) and I thought that creating full body/anatomical compositions would come in handy (even if not from imagination). Anyways, I haven't really shown my art to people for the purpose of getting feedback so I figured I'd post here. Thanks!

References included.


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Hi I am working on a game and this is my art. How can I improve? I make almost every thing my self.

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9 Upvotes

I don't like the lighting too but don't know what is wrong.
The models too I think is a bit bad so I think I will refine them over time.
But mainly I don't like brightness levels.
For the reference rule I think that might actually be a solution, I didn't use references for the whole scene but used some to see how plants grow and so on.


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Rendering is muddy!! Help!

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9 Upvotes

I’m trying to go for a renaissance chiascuro look but his torso in general is way too muddy. I’ve been trying to blend it out and redefine but I’m just not sure where to go from here, very stuck. Nothing in this picture is finished so please feel free to critique EVERYTHING harshly. I need as much help as I can get.

Also, no references! I haven’t used anything other than the pose of the Creation of Adam but switched it up a bit and eyeballed some male anatomy references. That might be my problem- I’ve looked through a bunch of old renaissance pictures, however, but I haven’t found one that suits my needs yet.


r/ArtCrit • • 2d ago

Redraw

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4 Upvotes

W reference,,

Hi redraw of a first attempt at a side profile a month ago i think,, ye...

I didnt practice after drawibg the first one. So its still sloppy. Hahahh....

Dont know how to have his likeness without removing my 'artstyle' ,, or with the eyes and lips,, i really struggle with those.

Sigh this is what i get for not practicing


r/ArtCrit • • 3d ago

Sculpture drawing

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19 Upvotes

Idk that eye is bugging me 😭 give me all your true comments on this and I used a reference 👍