Coupled with your previous advice to me on depth + muddy issues, this is a VERY instructive paint-over. It's fascinating to see how you've reduced edge detail to even more fuzziness than what I produce, but only in some areas. You hardened up key objects like the staff -- and then compensated for detail adjustments by adding detail to the scene itself (as near as I can tell ;)). Lots to learn from! I'll be referring to these two "The Hero" pieces side by side if I get stuck.

Thanks to both of you for putting these examples up!

This is wonderful! And fixed several short comings of my own piece....I wonder if it is bad form to recommend a repaint of your own work for the front page?!