Lately I've been messing around with GIMP trying to get a 
BG2 style portrait out of a drawing or a picture.  Below are a couple of efforts at it.  The first is from a drawing (and also one I'm using for something I'm working on). The one on the bottom is done from a photograph.  It is also the more recent of the two portraits.  Also note that I didn't focus much on anything but the face in the second portrait, so the hood and padded armor likely look fairly unfinished.  I'll probably post some more as I do them, whenever that may be.
Since I'm still working on improving, I'm open to 
constructive criticism - tips on anything, really. Shading, highlights, texture, smoothness, etc.   I'd appreciate any such feedback.   I've already gotten some tips that have helped a lot, but having more is always good!  Thanks a lot!
https://dl.dropbox.c...BGPortrait9.bmphttps://dl.dropbox.c...apPortrait2.bmpSorry for not showing the images here, but apparently BMP isn't allowed to be shown on this site and I don't currently have them in JPG or PNG.
					
					
					
							Edited by Sir_Carnifex, 02 September 2012 - 11:57 PM.
							
						
				
	
	"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." - Herm Albright