Thank you!
I very much enjoyed reading your analysis, and you made many interesting and relevant observations. I've already lightened most of the darker shades and it worked just right.
Also, I don't know what the smoke-like patterns were supposed to represent, but I'd think more of a simple side-effect of no significance.
It's hard to say... Certainly too much. This must've took me close to 10 hours, I'd say, but I already had a base. I only worked on it sporadically and dont usually do that kind of stuff, so it's even more difficult to give you a good approximation.
Great work, how many hours does it take you to finish a drawing like this?
Firstly, thanks, that means a lot. I still feel pretty unconfortable with all these colours (I was a black pen fanatic, not so long ago) so it's a little reassuring to hear that.
And I kinda agree with you about the previous version. There's also more mystery in it, something like savagery, too, and it fits the context pretty well.
This is another outstanding piece and shows that you are more than able to handle complex palettes. However, personally I like the 3 colour version more. Somehow the sharpness, visible clusters and high contrast appeal more to me.
@iDew
I think you were right. I've added green everywhere, a lot on the rocks, and I'm quite happy with the result. It acts nicely with the purples and reds, as to be expected. Anyhow, thanks a lot for your input.
(I also changed a lot of things here and there.. couldn't help it)
It reminds me Gollum.
I love both versions of this image! I kinda picture the red pattern as what's going on in the troll/goblins head right now after eating those mushrooms.