Challenging myself with more layered highlights. Feedback appreciated.

[viral citrus]

I feel like I have a good grasp of basecoats and then applying shades. But now I want to take the next step and apply more contrast by pushing more highlights. I started working on the skin of the horse and the black cloth but it doesn’t feel natural to me. Feedback appreciated!

[ionic herald]

I'd say you need more of a secondary highlight tone on the black cloth - I know this is a horse but your thing is still horse shaped and is probably likely to be going for a similar shiny look:

in the strongly highlighted areas, there's a blend down into black with blue-grays

as opposed to just the stark grey to black

[viral citrus]

Thanks for the feedback! I redid it with some dark blue and it definitely looks so much better! Now I just need to figure out how to make smoother transitions

[ionic herald]

Instead of 1 layer do 2 and have 1 be your base color mixed with your highlight

Or do the harder highlight, then glaze a bit

[viral citrus]

Sorry I am a little confused with that statement. Do you mind elaborating?