Three quarters through.

I think both Andre a lot is to do with taste impressiveness and with me at the moment it is not too interested in detail but i say push them as far as you want

I like this too. As Dennis says, it is a question of taste and what you as the artist wanted to do.

We can't "see"it in person but the warmer colour in the other one I liked. What do you think Andre? If I hadn't seen the other one, I would have commented positively on this one.

Thanks for these comments... Marjorie I must admit I prefer the unfinished one, more of a classical tone to it. Although I do like the finished one, I will in future take photos throughout the process....pause , take a step back, and decide. I know many accomplished artists have said " knowing when to stop is the key" . It's all learning I guess.

Only you can decide when it's finished Andre. What I'm seeing here is excellent work, but your decision.

Just had a look again, with them side by side. I can see you've adjusted the head shape but that's only you who knew it wasn't exactly right. Also, I liked the way the darker background threw the face forward. I'm going back to look again but I'm confused. Is this the first or second version?

Penny's dropped! Looked at the title. Now I can say I definitely prefer the finished one. Do you remember when I painted Cesare? Two paintings, one " tidied up". Similar to your two, the finished version with the dark background. Incidentally, I've had a great day today at the National Portrait Museum in Edinburgh. The BP artist of the year exhibition is on at the moment. I just went round examining in close up the different techniques. Expect great things! ( ha ha )

Andre, I have a confession. I have not seen this 'other' one, referred to, and so cannot compare. But this, I think, is fully complete in itself...It says what you want it to say...the wry expression is so excellently painted. You have a great gift here...Well done.