Magenta Sunset

I did a value study of this back in November, and today I felt like coloring it (didn't use the reference for the colors though).

Steps:
1. Loose value sketch (00:15)
2. Refining one by one area, I still don't care about rim lights etc. (01:00)
3. Gradient maps and color balance to get an OK color/atmosphere base. (01:15)
4. Using the colors of the base and adding more variations and boldness, I paint with a single brush. (02:30)
5. Rim lights with color balance and brush, some smudging for base streakyness. (03:00)
6. I painted loosely to get a more stylistic look. Followed the smudged strokes, learned, and applied other places too. (03:40)
7. Airbrushing inside brushstrokes to get a softer look. (04:00)
8. Finishing touches. I didn't use any adjustments as I was really happy with the original colors and atmosphere.
I dunno the exact times, but I know I used 1 hour on the study and about 3 hours from there to finish. The brushes I used were a tilted oval brush and an airbrush.

[ 4 hours ][ Photoshop CS5 ][ 1400x876 px ][ Genius G-Pen M712x ][ EarlyRise - Goodbye ]

I am not here to shamelessly promote my art, I'm here to get better. So if you have anything to say, please leave a critique so that I can continue growing as an artist~