For people who care below is an image from the final image, I didn't want to hog the final entry page, so that's why I am posting it up here.
If you want to see Mario finished take a look at the final image which is here:
https://simplymaya.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35573

all textures are handpainted ( yes even the eyes), except for the pickaxe handle ( see final image page)