First, the smoke is a good idea, but it looks kinda like mold. Second, there is not enough shading on the gold, but the power axe is good except that white outline. The shading on the armor isn't bad, but the fox head doesn't have a mouth.
Yes, the gold does look a bit crappy.
The way i do gold these days is to undercoat with bronze, then wash with chestnut ink, then highlight with gold.
An example of this technique can be seen on my Iron Priest.
The changes are neat but I am not sure if the smoke works. i have no suggestions though I am sorry. The paint is a bit sloppy in some spots like the axe, but smooth in others like the grey shoulder pad. The gold could also use some depth especially considering that symbol on his shoulder is sooo big :D I do like the coloring on his weapon however.