I hate artists
Maybe that is a little harsh. I am jealous of artists. I am a pixel-pusher that can draw really good stick figures, but that is about it. So when I came across a fantastic painter—Francoise Nielly living in Paris—my jealousy boiled over.
She creates some spectacular portraits using a painting knife, cake-frosting thick paint, and vibrant, bold colours that defy realism. There is a video (link here) of her creating one of her images with quick, confident strokes. The crazy part is that she uses Black & White photos as reference, interpreting light and colour in her head. Check out her portfolio, truly fantastic. Maybe I can get some tips if I stare at it long enough.
http://www.francoise-nielly.com