Digital Painting Study #1

I have never really been happy with my digital painting technique (or lack there of) so now it's time to get serious about improving.  My friend Aaron and I have been talking about how creating a bunch of short studies would probably help us out in the long run.  When working on a drawing or painting, I usually put too much pressure on myself thinking "this has to turn out great or else it's worthless!" And because I am a harsh critic that I am of my own work, I never end up happy with anything. 

However, with the digital panting studies, I can relax a bit because it's just that - a study.  I created this piece last night, and while the lighting doesn't make any sense, it was the first time in a long time that I actually really enjoyed working on a digital painting.  Clearly I have a lot to learn, but that's the best part - I am learning!

The image below took about one hour to color.  I don't want to spend more than 2 hours on these studies because they are just that - a study!