Sketchbook Troll Mage June,2012

Ok, so I'm still struggling to grasp colour and lighting and it's just proving more and more frustrating, I'm really hoping I might be able to get some pointers or advice as to how to better approach this subject matter. The image I'm working on isn't exactly the simplest when it comes to colours and lighting but I've always found diving in the deep end helps me learn faster :P

I started off with this image:



And since reaching that stage I've tried a few approaches to painting it. I've tried doing a value study




But it always feels like I either over or underexpose the lights. I suppose it doesn't help I'm still figuring out which sections I want to draw attention to.

I then just tried working straight with colour:



I was happy with this version but when I tried to add detail to it I feel like I just flushed the colours out with the primary light source being orange.



I'm just not entirely sure what I'm doing wrong, what I'm missing to really make this a colourful and enjoyable image.

If you have any advice or critique it'd be really appreciated.
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Troll Mage

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