The examples above showcase my process. First I begin researching the subject matter. I then create a lot of thumbnail sketches to get my composition to my liking and compile a number of reference photos to work from to ensure that I capture everything as accurately and realistically as possible. For the most part I like to sketch on paper with pencil, though sketching within photoshop can also be quite fun. Once the sketch has been fully fleshed out I begin painting. I layer colors and utilize lowered opacity with my brushes to mix and blend the colors to my liking. Eventually once the base painting is completed all that is left are putting in solid detail and making tweaks and adjustments so that it is pleasing to the eye. More recently I have preferred painting digitally with my Wacom Intuos 4 Large tablet. It's a little cumbersome to carry around but the size is great when it comes to drawing and illustrating.