“Tightening up the detail” - haha, wow that sounds so good - can’t wait! 
One question: Have you ever, or would you, use scanned or photographic images in adding texture to a digital painting. Or do you prefer it all to be hand painted? - Also, what are your views on this? By the looks of it, you haven’t, in any of the digital paintings I’ve seen by you - but then again, at web-res it could be hard to tell.
wow on the trees! definitely a “journey” picture, but when i imagine, it doesnt let me go beyond the “the husband is going to hunt” sort of thing. anyway you could add more story to the story ?
keep it up man. looking good.
Nomad - Thanks
Xeophex - I don’t use any photos in my images, but that’s just personal choice. For this one, I didn’t use references either, because I wanted a fantasy look that photos couldn’t really provide. Having said that, I’ve loads of imagery in my head from looking at photos and the works of other artists, just nothing direct. I would consider layering a photo in overlay mode over an image, to provide subtle texture and saturation effects, although I don’t think I’ll do it with this one.
warpy - Interesting point. Don’t know if I can get around that, but I’ll have a think. Cheers.
Only done 3 or so hours more since I last posted. I reckon another 4hrs on the wood detail should do it, then I’ll do the characters.
It does look far better desaturated like that!
What else can I say about the trees…sorry, detail blindness there for a moment…honestly, it’s fantastic. I can’t think of any crits and believe me, I looked!
I really like that crow- maybe if you put a few more crows in, it might give the piece an overall feeling of more portent?
I get such a nice sleepy hallow feel off this… I’ll eat my hat if this isn’t amongst the winners!
I dont, know about the desaturation of the pick, I kinda like the warm fell to it; It really sell it better! But, it still looks amazing though!
Desaturated, I say! draws sword
EDIT: Simon, would you mind me asking for tips on detailing pictures? As we all know, you’re very, very good at doing that- how about a couple of pointers for the great unwashed?
Please? I’ll give you my giant chicken!
It’s very nice job. I think the three look like a monster so scary. I really like it.
Good luck!
Wow this has come a long way since I last took a peek . . . trees look great, love the twisted, gnarly look and winding trail.
For a little more human emotion adding some children could add some impact . . . I have a piece that i was working on and then changed my mind that had a little boy trying to run after his Father as he leaves for war and his older sister is holding him back . . . just an idea*)
I won’t give a constructive comment: This is an AMAZING work ! I’ve been looking to it for a few weeks and it’s getting better and better ! 
Your attention to details really shows. Those ancient trees look great indeed.
Good luck.
Yay - back to cool colour. I like it better like this. Also, I much prefer the crow now - he looks great! 
Nice update. What Elrond56 suggested could be a good idea.
Keep it up. Btw, you better bloody enter this time!!! 
Damn! U really like torture ur self huh? hehe… well, thats ok with us viewers who r enjoying this piece from a safe distance, not worrying how many time u spend inthere. Just keep up the good work man. And yea… If I may suggest, try to play with colors a bit… this gray/brown color scheme could be pushed a bit further. More colors really wouldnt hurt I think… more blue in the back and some warm colors from a light source in the front would b nice to see… just my opinion
the details on the trees are beyond words man. I’ve been staring at them for almost an hour. they’re really inspiring. awesome work dude
APHA - Cheers
paperclip - More crows!? You people are so demanding. And tips for painting detail… well, I don’t use any special method. I mostly do it in 4 stages - 1st block in the colour (like the thumbs), then refine the mid-ranges with a smaller brush. Decrease brush size again and work in the deep shadows and bright reflections. Then add the really fine detail and neaten up. I bet you could have guessed that. I feel guilty now for not using a more imaginative method 
beelow - There’s always one 
Thanks for dropping by, anyhow
createmai -The tree does have some monsters in it, if you look very carefully (helps if you’re drunk too)
Elrond56 - They did have children, but the trees ate them. I get your meaning about the emotion although it might be tricky to come up with anything at this stage. I’ll give it some thought. Thanks.
n i c o - Thanks muchly
Lithan -
Xeophex - Thanks. And yes, I’ll enter, unless I don’t.
taz23 - Cheers
NinjaA55N - Thanks for the comments. Not sure about the colour, I’m hoping the woman will be colour enough. We’ll see.
abourabe - Thanks
hungthai - Don’t stare at them for more than 30 minutes, it’ll drive you mad. I should’ve said. Glad you like it though.
Hi Baron, can I hire u to paint trees for me? how much do u charge? hehe…can’t wait to see yours finished man…even though it already is as good at this stage.