Mountain Mama Tattoo [new version added!]
 

Based on some feedback I received on another artforum, I've decided to try and create a more "finished" tattoo design than my usual work. Several people suggested that I make use of backgrounds and lettering to bring some polish to my designs, and to also try more original subject matter.

With that in mind, I've spent the last few days working on a tribute to my homestate.

Let me know what you think!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...tS/wvflash.jpg

EDIT: Fixed a few things I wasn't happy about (mostly shading on the Miner). The gold looks a little more dull, but that's the scan...I didn't change anything about that since the first version.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ixed-miner.jpg

I'm going to post here what I e-mailed you, just to start things off.

It's really good; the blendings and such are awesome, as it the scrollwork.
The face and detailing could use some work, though.

His irises aren't even, firstly. I know he's a coal miner, but I just find there's no personnality or life to him; maybe adding a slight glow to the light, or having some more expression on his face. Also, maybe give him some more hair on the left side?

I dunno, it just seems like something's missing.

ophelia: Thanks for the critique. The second version was to address some of your comments. I evened up the eyes as well as adding a lot more contrast (added yellow to the highlights and darkened the shadows). I also worked on the face to bring out some more details and make the shading a little more anatomically correct. :)