Perplexed

The way you use the colour of the board as the mid-tone is really impressive. I have tried and failed at this many times. Touché. May I pass on one suggestion sprang to mind?

Thank you for your kind comments Owen, would welcome any suggestions.

"would welcome any suggestions" You're very generous. Your facial proportions look very good. The proportions of the ear look off. The references I am learning from say the ear fits between the bottom of the nose and the brow ridge (roughly the top of the eyebrows in your image). This would suggest extending the top of the ear upwards slightly. Also the distance where the ear joins the face is usually longer than your image. I just looked in a mirror and 1.my ears are taller than wide 2. The bit where the ear joins my face is roughly the same as the front to back distance of my ears. All ears are different so your source may be unusual. I thought I'd mention it as your shading skills are excellent. I hope this helps. I'm happy to erase it if you prefer.

This is a fabulous piece Roger.

Superb picture Roger, The colours are excellent.

Very good - I know what Owen means about the ear but it is no way impairs this portrait

Thank you Russell, Stephen and Heather for your encouraging comments. Owen, I appreciate your comments and I will be aware of them in future work. In this case the proportions of the ear are very much as the reference photo. Where the ear joins the face is partly hidden by hair. To my mind I have highlighted the ear a little too much and the top curve is a little distorted. Nobody's perfect.

Lovely soft portrait Roger

Roger. Thank you for taking the time to reply. You do great work.

Nicely done Roger.