So I've recently started trying to render my art, instead of just drawing sketches. I am essentially an utter beginner when it comes to utilizing colors, so I feel like my rendering never does my draft work any justice.
I require assistance.
#Rendering critique
cunning flame
main vine
Make sure you understand where the light source is and where it will make shadows. Try to choose colors that if put in black and white, won’t look the same if you want there to be distinction between the two things otherwise this looks awesome
crystal valve
So you've already got a good start (specially since you seemingly didn't use an airbrush for your shadows and you also didn't use black)
A way I could help you is by telling you not everything needs a sharp highlight
And when you do your shadows, don't just do it on both sides and call it a day
Instead thing of if the plane that you are drawing is round or flat and then draw the shadows (for rounder look, when light is hitting it from the front, you should just do shadows on both sides but for a flat plane you basically have a gradient based on where your light source is)
Also don't be afraid to use darker shadows sometimes (not everywhere, just in the parts where least light will reach)
cunning flame
This all sounds very good. I will be taking this into account