caz: thank you! "windswept" and "stormy" sound just right for this style of picture.
mokonafan: thank you
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
! i'm glad you mentioned that difference in styles - i pointed it out to erisian before i posted it here but he's in love with the mermaid because she has her roots in an advert for his favourite coffee, so he can't be realistic about her. it's not a deliberate style choice, it's because i have the scratchy style when i sketch with pen and paper and it took some time before i managed to get the more flowing lines and smooth surfaces, by then i had got to the hair. i didn't want to rework the whole body and face because i liked them and was afraid of ruining them. the right hand is ok, but the left hand is weird. i got the shape and size of the space between her thumb and index finger wrong, so it looks a bit like an impossible figure
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
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ecirbaf: thank you! i will get an intuous when i can afford it - the first graphics tablet i tried was an intuos and the differences aren't great but big enough for me to want an intuos one day.
lylejk: thank you
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
! hehe, i don't think i've ever been double ninja'd, that must be a rare experience.
erisian: how about socks and after shave? you know that's what i'll get for you
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
. on a more serious note: you were a great help while i painted this, so you deserve some credit too. i should edit the first post to make it clear to everyone i had the benefit of your comments and help.