even in photoshop i use a lot of layers when painting actually. however, photoshop layers are more for photo manipulation and effects, while painter's are give more options on controlling the outcome of the media.

the effect that u have is probably the paper surface setting in painter. bcoz of painter's ability to simulate media surfaces, what surface u attempt to sketch on will give different effects. for example, if u use pencils on a concrete wall it will definitely be different from bond paper. even papers have different types. there are watercolour papers, bond papers, tracing papers, soft papers and so on. the effect u have may actually be the setting on those rather than the layers itself. not forgetting that painter has loads of pencils to choose from .

i've moved on from photoshop to painter successfully in 6 months. yeah, it took me that long.

the best thing i love about painter apart from its realistic media is the ability to rotate canvas at will. if u dont know this, the control is spacebar+left click+alt, and while holding the 3 buttons, drag ur mouse around. u'll arbitrarily rotate ur canvas. this imitates rotating ur paper in live drawing. beats rotating the tablet LOL. u can rotate canvas in photoshop as well, but not as easily as this.

Fyonne, if you don't mind criticism...

I think you need to revise anatomy proportions
not that I'm good at it, but it'd would look awesome together with your painting skills

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8197/rachkp9.jpg
more detail draft, with clothes now. it seem i did it faster than i expected.
neway realise some part out, gonna fix it tomolo

ps:dang, i hate my monitor, really retraining from clearer overall view. need to get myself a larger monitor (the one that can tilt 90 degree :| )

that's a fine piece fyonne...

i suggest using the dodge brush/effects to accentuate the glow and shine

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/6435/optimussmallkq1.jpg

optimus prime redesigned

pencils + painter 9.5, about 5 hours.

basically optimus prime meets armored core.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6359/ba...aansmallku6.jpg

my merdeka themed artwork. ideas from soggie.

sorry, been busy for too long. yesterday my tablet begged to be used. what to do...