i can tell from this piece and your others that you can draw and paint very well and that you have a solid understanding of form, lighting, and color, but something is keeping these pieces from being as good as i feel they could be. A lot of your edges are kinda funky, and your tones and transitions are inconsistent, and i think that has to do with the materials you are using. It could also be a scanner issue. I would recommend saving up for some better brushes and paints, and maybe try experimenting with different papers. Working on hot press paper will definitely smooth things out and you'll be able to make things a lot smoother. All in all its a pretty good piece. You have a ton of potential as an artist.
glad to see you on the contest too.
goodluck.
Paint program? dunno, the way they teach me at school to paint in canvas...
Not so sure what you mean tough...
All in all its a pretty good piece. You have a ton of potential as an artist.