Rob: This took... I don't know, three hours so far? Just keep coming back to it and you'll eventually get there! I've been making use of Gelbooru for reference and colour palette -- those folks know what they're doing when it comes to colouring skin, holy cow.
Lurker: Thanks! Scanners are so helpful... This one was done on the computer, but sketching on paper is usually easier and more fun!
Rain Drops, you could very well make your own thread instead of posting your stuff in the thread of someone else. Indeed I actually think you should, if not I'll just make you one and inform you of the post move.