9/9 Last step is to use the dither tool. Don't go crazy, its important to keep sharp edges. But you can make wonderful gradients. I also add some color in those dark shadows, cuz I like a little spice. Et voila! A painting!

8/9 Now we start the final painting. We define the final shapes using mostly colors we already have. Don't be too afraid to add new colors if they'll look cool!

7/9 I see I'm biased towards lighter and brighter colors, so now is when i do color correction. Just make increase/decrease hue/saturation/value layers and fix your mistakes. I don't use a lasso tool or filters, I'm very loose with preserving shapes still. You'll notice how blotchy the edges are.

6/9 Copy that image, make it a value layer, and then paint colors underneath. All you're adding is hue+(un)saturation, value has already been decided.

5/9 Next, refine into shapes. The point is to find interesting shape and edge language. Don't worry too much about details, this is still the underpainting. You're allowed to mess up.

4/9 On a layer underneath, make a monochrome value statement. Everything here is a different value of full-saturation red. No need for accuracy at this point, just worry about balance and composition.

3/9 First, the sketch. Never worry about this, none of this will show up in the final painting.

2/9 The reference. I picked a lady with a sword cuz ladies with swords are badass.