The artistic ideas of the Renaissance era – dark backgrounds against strong light, bright specks of colour to emphasize certain points, and so forth – are clear enough, and they can still be employed for good effect. I don’t think there’s a better way to paint a striking portrait than going for that source.
These steampunk-inspired paintings of mine use Renaissance-like methods on purpose. I think the mood fits steampunk ideas very well. I’m also hoping to bring something of my respect and awe for the great masters into these comparably hasty caricatures.