Cat painting

Two days ago I finished this collaboration with my partner. He drew the same cat in traditional media and asked me to paint it digitally. I couldn't refuse! But it was the first time I painted a cat digitally and I experimented a lot to finally get the desired texture I wanted. 

These were the two pictures I used as reference

The drawing in traditional media.

And the original photo.

Although it took lot of time it was an amazing experience, this felt like a test I needed to pass to keep improving my art. Plus, I love cats a lot so making this fluffly kitten was really fun for me. 

I painted most of this piece in just one layer

Only adding lightings and other details here and there in other layers. Most of said details were in the face.

I tried to keep the background simple but keeping the lighting and basic elements from the picture I used as reference. 

I learned a lot of new things in the making of this drawing. I liked the final result and I want to keep improving my art.

What do you think? I'd love to read your opinions.