Here is an example tutorial of how I created "Silver and Gold Angel" using a fractal image and digital art software (Twisted Brush).

Please click on the thumbnails to see larger version.

First, I started setting my page on a very large scale (3000). I reserved the first layer to be the black background, which will show behind all other future layers. Then I rendered my fractal wing and loaded the new image onto the next layer.

I start to outline my angel figure on a layer above the wing. I generally use a pen brush to sketch with. For my figure, I did use a reference photograph - I find my figures look more realistic and I can follow shading examples.

I block in the colors alternating between close/soft airbrush, using the eraser tool or blending tool to soften edges. As you see, I do not block in her hair, I want this on a separate layer to make it easier to draw the hair behind her.

I start to define the shadows in her skin, using airbrush and the blending tool. The dress is set up on this layer so that I can add effects over it on another layer.

Now I add in additional skin colors (pink/brown/grey) and add her facial features. I like using artist pen for eye features/lashes. I pay attention to ear anatomy and fingers. I particularly had a tough time with her raised hand, drawing the thumb. The angle was tricky to get just right!

Now I add in her hair using a separate layer (one that goes behind the main figure/dress). I like using the 3D glass ribbon tool for her hair.

I start another layer above the main figure/dress to add effects. I use the petal makers (dirty grit) and design the sheer layer above her grey dress.

I use guassian blur to smooth out the sheer dress and use angela's mermaid tail brush to add sequence to the edges. Soft tapered pen makes a great thin line (used on her headdress).

 Again, starting another layer, I begin the harp. I use the line tool to get straight lines and use the curve option for the bends in the harp neck. Then I used the paint tool to fill in the shapes. This left a nice outline for all my lines after block in the color that I could use as a guide for later detail.

Focusing only on the harp now, I begin to shade and blend in the rough areas of my outline. I add darker colors for shading and contours. I also used a photo reference for the harp.

I add more shading detail and highlights on the harp. I begin to add the pins and strings, using mainly the straight line tool. I created each harp string separately (there may have been a quicker way to do this).

Now to focus on the background, I use the gradient tool (colors 1,2,3,4) to create the bottom and add a starfield.

Using a separate layer for each dove (important to do this!) I begin drawing them in using the close airbrush set at a very small size and then blend outwards. You can see the rough outline to the doves on the left side. The reason I do a separate layer for each dove is because it makes it easy to duplicate or move around each dove until I get the exact placement that I like.

The doves are finished and placed where I like them. I decide to add clouds using hazy galaxy tool and a big radiant moon making sure that I'm working on the background layer.

I add in all the *sparkle* detail on a separate layer and usually at the end of the painting. I use the flare tool, amy's flower vine for the detail on the harp and one of the set flower shapes. I guassian blur the detail to blend it with the harp. I also used guassian blur on some of the doves in the background to give depth. I also decided to filter:colorize the background, I found the aqua green color really set off the gold/silver combination. Then I finish it up by using a soft edge frame, signing it with gel pen, and adding my watermark on a separate layer (of course!)

I make sure to always save the original large scale version of the picture, but size it down for reference on websites, etc. I like to use Infranview to resize my images.

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial, I'm still have a lot to learn with TB, so some things may have taken me longer once I learn the shortcuts!