I can't think of many online demonstrations that would tell you more than ryder's book, but there are some good ones. Jimmie Arroyo posted a hair demo on Wet Canvas. It includes close up scans of his work, which we don't usually see:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/show...hreadid=134738

His technique is the opposite of Ryder's, in that he consistently follows the direction of the hair (with great success). It goes to show you -- there's more than one solution for any problem in art.

Jimmie is amazing!! But even he makes faces as curly hair!!! I went to my Leonardo daVinci books, especially his letters to his students. He says hair should always cascade like water - in waves...

I could not find a reference of Peggy's son's portrait. Could you point me in the direction? We are talking Peggy Baumgartner?? I went to her website but found no reference.

Here's the link. I dearly love that portrait. It's very sensitive. It's also a good example of well-drawn hair.

http://www.portraitartist.com/baumga...coal/paul2.htm

Yeah, I like this one too, very sweet!

The shape of the head overall is improved, and now there are other adjustments that can be made, some remaining from earlier and some newly introduced. I

Another late night, I post the results. Almost done? Thank you Steve, Jeff, and Chuck for your help. I did pay attention to all your suggestions. I don't know if I should go darker on the left side in shadow. Every time I do it makes him look heavy. Looking at it just this morning, on my screen I think I need to work on the hair a bit more and the texture and tone of the jacket. This piece is a gift for his son, Jack, who is happy with the portrait at this point, so I am thinking it may be finished. Would still like your opinion.

I am hoping my next portrait will be one of Jimmie Arroyo's models, full lips, huge eyes, STRAIGHT hair!!!

A few minor adjustments on shadow side, jacket, tie. It's done and I post it for the last time. I'm not crazy about this one, on to the next with more knowledge for next portrait.