This image came about from a quick sketch I did a while back. I wanted to do a silhouetted shape breaking up the snow. I wanted to create a subtle sense of tension with the woman's turned head, as well as with the drawn sword.

I kept many areas loose with lots of brush strokes showing to keep the energy of the piece up, I of course spent a bit more time detailing the figure, but also wanted to maintain spontaneity in the strokes.

I was really focusing on the overall lighting quality of the piece and the mood that the dark forest suggests. I hope you enjoy it!