This is an exercise using only oil paint brushes and a single layer, instead of relying heavily on layers of different transparencies, more standard brushes, and blending modes, to get the desired effect.
I found it rather intimidating to do, and rewarding. I relied heavily on references for this, I can’t draw lifelike figures without them.
Fucking hell, that’s a visceral emotion on full display there. Outstanding work OP! I’m saving this as a visual reference for some writing I’m working on, I hope you don’t mind.
Hell yeah!!! And thank you.
If you’re up for it I’d love to read it when it’s ready!