Background - outside the saloon - WIP

[Khris]

This was meant to be the first location for my feb. MAGS entryÃ, 
It's the only thing I've done so far, but I still consider finishing the game.



C&C appreciated, especially suggestions on how to improve the ground and the columns, I'm not very happy with both of them.

[TheYak]

I have to say - the image loaded and my jaw dropped.  It's quite good.  Is it 3D-based or hand-drawn? 

I think the problem with the columns is that they probably shouldn't be columns.  Perhaps just square posts with a good amount of scoring and aging to them.  I really like the sand texturing as well.. usually people end up making it too cartoony or putting sharp lines for dunes.  It's a WIP, obviously, but adding some smaller/lighter markings in the sand in the distance would add a lot of depth.

I also don't believe the horizon line wouldn't be quite that low unless there's higher elevation there.  From the angle of the building and height of the horizon, I'd say the view was approximately halfway between the porch and rooftop of an adjacent building.    It also looks like you can see some of the top of the balcony when it should be obscured at this angle (or at least a normal viewing angle).  The coloring is excellent but some of the posts seem a tad flat - like a sprite fenceline in a 3D game. 

I'm being damned nitpicky on all the above though..  I have to pick on slight imperfections or simply say, "Wow."   I thought the former would be more productive.

[Khris]

Is it 3D-based or hand-drawn?

It is completely hand-drawn.

I think the problem with the columns is that they probably shouldn't be columns.

Exactly. I wanted to avoid a boxy look, but now I guess I'll change them.

...adding some smaller/lighter markings in the sand in the distance would add a lot of depth.

True. The blank area in the top-left is going to show another building, so I'll work on the sand afterwards.

I also don't believe the horizon line wouldn't be quite that low unless there's higher elevation there. From the angle of the building and height of the horizon, I'd say the view was approximately halfway between the porch and rooftop of an adjacent building. It also looks like you can see some of the top of the balcony when it should be obscured at this angle (or at least a normal viewing angle). The coloring is excellent but some of the posts seem a tad flat - like a sprite fenceline in a 3D game.

I'm sure that the perspective is correct. I don't fully understand the 1st sentence, but the horizon is actually quite high. When I began designing the bg, the balcony was supposed to be walkable, but I've abandoned this recently.
I think you're referring to the balcony's railing as being flat, it's wip.

I'm being damned nitpicky on all the above though.. I have to pick on slight imperfections or simply say, "Wow." I thought the former would be more productive.

Absolutely. Thanks for the good advice!

Here's the workspace, complete with ugly helplines and vanishing points.