Looking for constructive criticism

I'll post pictures I make and then I would like some opinions so I can get better.

First, this is my very FIRST image on the computer. I drew it by hand (with a pencil) and a couple of hours later I have this. I'm not shading it YET, so please don't comment "I need more shading" I know it needs shading, but I'm not ready. So without further ado, my first drawing on the computer:
http://i51.tinypic.com/2zydagm.png


I'll add more later...

The picture is ok. If you want it to look more real I suggest to make the arms/wings/fins bigger and the body more separate. Try to do what I say if you want and sorry if you don't understand something.

That's terrific for your first computer drawing! Mine weren't even presentable. And when I say that, I mean they weren't even presentable to myself.

I would criticize for you, but I'd prefer not to until it is finished. I'll drop back in after you have shaded it. But again, good start! It's very promising. Good luck with the shading when you decide to try. :3

Holy carp, that is better then anything I could do.

Awesome, but the water is kinda odd.

It's not shaded yet, so that may be the reason.

Hmm, maybe.

Well I'm glad people like it, and I've been practicing shading. But so far I'm only shading musical notes until I get the hang of it...

i like the fire idea for the back fin down the spine even though it is in the water. though i like it.

Depends on what angle you're going for! Cartoony, realistic, etc?

In my opinion, the biggest problem is the colours. They're really clashing, and it hurts my eyes, but shading might fix that. :3

Funnily enough, one of my first pictures on MS Paint (when I was on a roll, that is) was a lot like this.

Also, <3 the teeth.

It's certainly very good for your first try! I'm pretty impressed. The biggest concern i have is with color choice - all those bright colors can be distracting from the image as a whole. The bright, warm colors of the fins naturally draw the eye, even though they're not a part of the dragon you probably want people to focus on! When choosing colors, less is often more. Pick 2 or 3 min colors, preferably ones that match well (use the color wheel!), and stick to them for the majority of the image. if you got rid of the fins, your color choices would be fine, FYI; the blues and green go together nicely.

Another piece of advice would be to be careful with the fill tool. It won't get every spot, especially close to the lines. What program are you using? There are some tips I can give you depending on the program.

Finally, I'd work on the background. The sun is very large and not very realistic. I think your problem here is you are confusing the "symbol" of the sun in your mind (as in, a big yellow disc in the sky) with what the actual sun looks like. Take a look at some photographs of the sky and see what it really looks like! This is a good strategy in general; referencing life never hurts!

Overall, I think this is off to a good start. Your linework is great and shows a lot of control, which is often hard when just starting off on a new medium. Keep up the good work, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Well if the fins are distracting, then I've hit my goal! Normally when I draw a creature with wings, fins, or something in that area with markings (rather than just one or two colors) I make them big and bright! This coming from all the animals I've seen with markings to distract or scare away predators, or even to attack mates! These I deem as males, since I never "gender" my creatures any other way. Others are camouflage and of course are "deemed" as "females". This isn't the only picture I try to "distract" people from the real focus. And some of my piers and teachers find these pictures quite original and interesting. Though I do tend to use graphite more than color, all advice helps greatly! I was sort of "afraid" to draw the sun, in a way... The way I typically draw it, is a little more complex, and I was afraid either I would mess it up or would look right once colored...


By the way THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE COMMENTED!! All advice is taken and used!