Continuing the vein of X realism, I decided to do some concept sketches of how each X character would look fully rendered in a realistic medium.  I'll eventually do everyone, but, you know.... I had to do my favourite character first. :3

The following sketches are some of my original designs for Karen; the first is more polished, the second more rough and experimental.  For her facial structure I studied actresses like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Nicole Kidman, in order to give her a classy sort of Marilyn-Monroe showgirl look.  I must admit I don't favour the top sketch--I think it's too polished, and not adventurous enough.  The bottom one is much more to my tastes; she looks like she clearly has something on her mind.  The latter is also an experiment as to how Karen would look without bangs.

This final piece of work here is by far my most favourite piece of fanart I've ever done.  I can honestly say I put some good hard work into this one.  Of course, the scanner butchered the shading I busted my ass over, but hey....you can't have everything in life.  It was done on manilla sketch paper, so forgive the yellow tint.  Do refrain from clicking the link if nudity, like, bothers you or something.