Step-by-step no. 2

Time for another Malazan painting. Hooray! This is a scene from Toll the Hounds, a sort of stand-off between the Son of Darkness, and a swordsman without equal named Traveller. I chose to depict the moment right before everything hits the proverbial fan, because I think the "moment before" is always so much more powerful, especially when you know what happens next. This is the moment when you inhale, and hold.

As per usual, my painting starts off quite simple. Just one guy
What's the worst that could happen?

Things are starting to take shape and I've begun laying down
some basic colours. Quite a muted palette, but I doubt the Son  of Darkness would look
good in pink.

Hands! And new hairdo. And yes, the sword is supposed to be
THAT big.

Cape! Also, my light source has been sorted out.

Had to expand the canvas
to make room for more CAPE!

New hairdo again. And changed his stance after someone commented
that it looked like he was crapping himself. That just won't do.
Also, constructive criticism is great!
It might sting a little at first, but that's just your ego being bruised.
No pain, no gain...

Oh fuck, shit just got real!

Moving stuff around. Important to keep the cape in the frame.
It's a really nice cape, it really ties the painting together.

Moar stuff? Are you insane?!!

Traveller's got clothes on now. And say hello to Pallid and Lock,
two Hounds of Light. They mean srs bisniss.

Aaaaand done! Nothing to it :P

Some details for you.

Dragnipur is the name of this badass sword.
It's what all the hoopla is about.

Rake, the Son of Darkness. This is his happy face.
No, really.