START ME UP - with lasso, gradient and some Carlson

I am working on the Fancy Dazzling Sphinx. Here is my progress so far:

Quick value sketch

Explore with the color

Lasso + gradient

Reminds me something...

 Same old problem. Because i tend to darken. i go easy on dark, but then, it looks pale, so Dark is on his way, no matter what =D

  Looking good...

 ... for a zombie. Let's give the cat a chance

 don't know...

 No lines

 Here is, so far. I'll keep working...