Thanks, I was just about to comment on your fear piece, say that I like it, that you are really coming into your own.
I wouldn't say I'm going back to Lascaux, it has certain qualities I prefer for some things is all.

Thanks, I appreciate it. Still wish I could start completely from scratch with no reference and not hating it or it looking like crap.
I find it hard to deviate from what I see

I almost always use a ref. I don't think it matters so much if you pull something from your imagination or if you choose to let others see how you see what you are seeing, it's still you. Sometimes I may use a ref just to remind me of how this or that is and not even be painting the actual ref. Do what you enjoy, work it, be persistent, try to get it to be what you want it to be, but do what you feel good about doing. That's what I think. Other peoples expectations about what should and shouldn't be done and how it should or shouldn't be done can eat my ass, ya know? Were not getting paid for this shit anyway.

I like this! It reminds me of an oil painting done entirely with a painter's knife, my favorite type of style :) Well, only if done right, like this was done

Warm. I like to paint with a palette knife, then you can touch the painting later and feel your strokes.

yeah, or you can look at a reflection of a painting in a butter knife and then later, touch yourself and feel your strokes....

that, I did not know

LOL..... stunner Axil. The painting I mean.