"This was the way the world always had been and always would be, fated to be the course of history unending. The fate of the Commons was to live a life of poverty, hunger, and prejudice, while the Imperials possessed all the power and rights of the vast City. Neither the Commons nor the Imperials could grasp the ways of one another. To a Common like Alan Ortelona, the Imperial was an ungrateful, spoiled man, and to the Imperial, the Common was a shameful, untouchable creature. Although the so-called Common street rats knew not of a life of plenty, they still knew of love and happiness. Despite the Imperials’ opinion that Commons had no minds or beliefs, the street folk clung to the distant idea of a bright future and to the hope that some sun-cycle, things could change.
Perhaps this time was not so distant at all." - Duskfall, chapter 1

Portrait of protagonist Alan Ortelona from my novel Duskfall, book one of the Valdevirtus Saga. Alan is the mysterious leader of a rebel group called the Alliance with the intent on destroying the totalitarian Empire and ensuring equality for all people. Alan's past is shrouded in darkness, and his origins are every bit as mysterious as his psychic abilities and enchanted lens. Alongside his comrade Violet and with help from illegal messengers, mysterious assassins, and a secret society, Alan must lead his Alliance to victory over the Emperor who stole both his life and his pride.

Realism is a huge change for me, so this was extremely difficult to paint. I tried to give it that photo-realistic look, especially with his skin and face. I am extremely happy with how this turned out! The list of textures I used is probably way too long to post on here, so all credit for the textures I used goes to their respective owners.

Photoshop cs5/skin, hair, cloth textures/city, cloud stock photos by me/7 hours