this is one of my first actual paintings, and i used a reference photo to get the general outline and figure, then ditched it and started painting.
i need help with what i should do next and how to get into the detail
im not trying to go into the branches, i want to focus on the center area thats mostly painted right now.
im not going for an epic scene either, i just wanna get the hang of things with painting. i can add stuff in later.
so if anyone can give me tips, walk throughs, opinions, advice, etc, that'd be great.
and ill still be painting onto this so by the time someone replies it might look different.

no one can give me any word of advice?

I've never actually done digital painting, but if you could change the resoltution in terms of colour depth.. basically im saying make the colour more detailed and clear.

Me likes it

Okay, first you need to bring out the shadows a bit, as well as the highlights. This could be accomplished with some minor tinkering in the Levels box.
I would also suggest that you work in 300dpi assuming your computer can handle it.
Get out a soft brush, and smudge it with like 30% strength at your own discretion to smooth some stuff out, because now it looks a little too ... brushed.
Then use your dodge and burn to really accentuate your highlights and shadows (ridges and depressions).

I must say though, this looks great so far
Keep up the good work and you will be really good in no time.

Agreed