Whoah... what a responce!
Man, I'm truly pumped about the attention this is getting. Overall, I'd like to say that every single critique has been constructive, and definitely valid. Many times, I get people (in other forums, mind you) who nit pick about things that leave me going.... "What?!?" ... things that don't make any sense. Here, however, I'm really glad to see such insightful suggestions and comments, and I'll try to get another version of this guy out right away. Some of the things that mildly bothered me have been brought up here, so I'll have to fix those. I'm overwhelmed by everyone's appraisal... *chokes back tears* Heheh.... ok, so I'm not really blubbering, but I'm thankful, so -moving on....
kenjib: Sorry you got the impression he's 'skulking.' Robert suggested a fatherly-like face in heavy shadows. I think the shadows make it seem 'skulking,' and not so much the face, which I drew specifically to look calmly protective, yet lost in shadow. I love what you derived from this piece ("the dual aspect of him," etc).
RangerWickett: I'm really glad you got to see this guy... I'm also thrilled that were pleased with my depiction of him. I'd also like to see the portrayal of him you bring up. Maybe a future project?... Well, I'm glad this is a boon to you. Honored to be a part of it all.
Teflon Billy: Heyyyy.... thanks! You can see more of my portfolio, by clicking on the image link (banner) in my signerature.
Aitch Eye: Holy crap! Your wallpaper? Hah... tell me what your wife's reaction was. How flattering. Your comments made my head grow a few sizes. It really means a lot to me that you got so much from the pic.
The Burned Man: I'm really pumped about the response here, Robert. I haven't seen your post yet. I've been sick the past couple days (came in to finish this piece just before I became bed-ridden)... and when I came back, this whole thing was waiting for me. Very cool.
Upper_Krust: To answer your questions:
-Airbrush tool, Digital (Painter 6)
-Total working time (including redo) approx. 5-6 hours.
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My Personal Website, or
My Elfwood Gallery (I have artwork on other places on the web, but this is the bulk of it).
Tanager: I wasn't so happy with the depiction of the spirit, either. No, the hand isn't meant to be on the spirit child's shoulder... simply in a protective gesture. Perhaps I should make it more clear.
Horacio: Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Fenros: What bothered you about this pic is what bothered me about it too. That hand the spirit kid has against the Pale Lord was a struggle for me. I tried the splayed fingers, and as it turned out, the position it's in now was the only version of it I could be happy with... well, that was until I read this comment

(j/k heh). I love the suggestion you made about a possibly better hand position. I think I'll try that when I do the redo. As to the child's spirit form... these were issues I had also... hair, clothing, etc... I was trying to be very obscure, and I wanted the spirits to be pure entities... representing human form, but in spirit... not sporting hair or clothing... but not exactly feeling nude, either. Guess I failed there too. I may very well go ahead and give the impression of clothing and hair, but I'll scrounge for the personal opinions of the creator/writers first. Thanks so much for this in-depth critique. I'm glad you felt it did a good job matching the Pale Lord description.
herald: Thank you!
Henry: Glad you love it! As to the sickly green lights, I think that would counter the goodness of the spirits I'm trying to reflect. Beyond that, the assignment was a non-color one. Thanks, though!