Awww, thanks, people! It`s really nice to read comments like this. I DO enjoy this, especially that "tricky" part of "nailing" it right, with proportions, expressions etc. I still have a long way to go (I`m having rather large problem at working out details and giving an image that final, clean and sharp look), but I guess that will come with time, patience and practice. True, due to my lack of anatomy studies, ATM I can just paint what I can see, w/o really understanding what is what I see, but I`ll nail those anatomy issues, just you wait! 
Oh, does anybody have a good tutorial on painting super realistic fire, step-by-step? I have a little project in my mind that I`m going to tackle as soon as I find some time...
Well, I`m off to class in a cheerful mood, thanks to you! 
*Wah, I`m just doing my nails and saying stupid things...
Thanks! I don`t know if I`ve learned anything though, I just focused on "nailing" the face...could have use a soft edged brush and a texture brush, though...oh well, some other day 
Can we see the original if you don't mind?
