This is one of an elite bodyguard unit called the Royal Guard. The musket's were used for close quarter combat situations like standing guard during diplomatic negotiations in an enemy's castle or while escorting on a ship voyage.
I an effort to further my ability, I have attempted to do a more finished illustration look.
I erased much of the scanned pen line around the focus of the image. No more crutch forced me to use value to express a change in part or material.
I used lots of warm and cool highlights to get some tangible mass to read.
Here's a cool tip: do a color and value layer (like the black torso) and on a layer above, do the warm and cool highlights. This way you can use hue adjust on the color layer and the highlights still work.
Basic-yes, but works.
Details like the leg pattern or the choker detail are new for me and helped up the professional look.
I'd appreciate hearing what you think, any tips or critiques, or if you just enjoy!
Cheers
Close up: