I have attempted to recreate this picture several times, and after 4 attempts (2 - 3 hours each), this is all that i have achieved. I have included a screenshot of my latest settings, not including background color, but it is the best background for the image in my opinion. Please let me know if I am doing anything wrong, or if maybe double click is messing with the opacity of brushes. I have manually configured my paint tool window according to the visual aid as precisely as possible. Thanks in advance!
Edit: words