Doing 30 retries in a row makes a difference in skill.

In that skill comes a knowledge in targeting colors in the color wheel, using Filters for color adjustment, gamma shifting, refractions and reflections. Also using GIMP along with Inkscape to extend my range of options to compose what I have on mind. Shaping is my weakness, but I use the triangle technique and as I said multiple retries. Also looking at references on the side and speed-sketching the overall shape of body.