Croc painting Process

So I said I wasn't too happy with the color of this one the last time so I spent some time re-painting it.  I am much happier with it now.  I've wanted to post somewhat of a process shot for a while now too so I decided to finally post it.  I'll break it down below.

Starting from the top down:

1. This design was giving me SO much trouble for some reason.  Whenever I have a hard time with a design and have a somewhat clear idea of what to do I sketch very small.  This Carmine col-erase sketch is probably about and inch long very very small but gives me a chance to work on the overall design and silhouette without worrying about the details.

2. I then scan it into Photoshop and work out the anatomy and details there.  You can see all the construction lines to make sure it works.  The sketch was pretty right on this time.

3. Tighten the sketch.  I wanted to paint this with the line work in tact.  I made the decision to leave the large scales with out line and just paint them in.  If I was going to paint this without the lines I would have just started painting over the sketch above.

4. Flats.  Just picking the colors I want to use and painting them in .  I'll add a little texture here and there like on the scales and belt.

5. Texture and lighting.  From here on out its all about experimenting with textures and what not.  Trying to add a little life to the final painting.  Also adding reds and differing shades of green and purple to the crocs skin again to add life.  And of course lighting.  

Let me know if you have any specific questions.  I'd be happy to answer any you have!  Do you want to see more of this stuff?