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BallyhooAdoptables [2012-02-07 23:21:21 +0000 UTC]

Just as a heads up, none of this is mean spirited. I just enjoy giving constructive criticism and trying to help people improve.

This is a pretty sweet image. Nice concept, and pretty decent execution. There's just a couple small things that stand out at me that could make this an exceptional piece of art.

Your color work is really nice. I like this shading style quite a bit. The way you handle the gradient from places of light to places of shadow is really nice. Also, your color choices are pretty accurate and they stand out nicely against the background.
The only things I'd really try and tackle is to make the shading look less Photoshop filtery (Sonic's quills have a smudged look to them that looks like an auto filter. Whether you used one or not, it does bring down the quality a tad. Maybe try defining your shades more?) and decide where your light source is coming from. For example, Sonic's lit from the front, while Metal's lit from the front. It leads the eye in a confusing pattern.

Next, proportions. Sonic and Metal especially are nicely in proportion. You can easily tell it's classic Sonic, as it should be in Sonic CD fanart, and Metal's face is nicely shaped and accurate.
Sonic's legs are all that seem really off to me in this image. The way they're turned make him look like he's running sideways off the path while turning awkwardly to look back at Metal. I've had problems with these angles before as well, and they're not easy to overcome. Maybe try looking at some more placement and pose references? Even human reference photos can help you figure out what angle to place body parts at. Sonic's feet also sort of look like they're melting. Seems like with the smudge, you tried to go for his trademark 'blur-run' look. While with a bit of looking, one can deduce that's what you meant, it's hard to make the connection initially. Maybe try instead using the infinity (or sideways 8) way his legs look when he's running fast? It would also translate easier into a 'fast paced' image, which is where the characters are defined, but the backgrounds are blurred to show movement.

All in all, this piece is nice and you've got some really strong skills. Just try to refine the basic concept of your images and follow them through to the end. :3

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