This is great, Joseph. I remember seeing a portrait similar to this style in an old issue of the Artist Magazine. I will try to find it and post it here. I have a tendency to work too tight. To remedy that, I will do a quick loose portrait on drawing paper, feel the relief, then throw it away. It may be to your advantage to do both. Keep it up.

Mark Gil

Correct
 

Mark, this was my intention when creating this. I had become frustrated by the expectations I had for other paintings and decided to let loose. What relief. Now I agree with that part, but I'm not sure I want to throw it away quite yet.

NO! Don't throw away your painting. It's a keeper! I throw away my "exercise to loosen up" not a painting. "You can do both..." I meant that by working impressionistic and tight, you will always have that balance needed to keep from getting frustrated. Keep it up.

If you stand back about 10 feet from the computer screen everything comes together to make a solid image, I like your technique, lots of talent here. :thumbsup:

Hah!
 

I often say in jest to my customers, "When you look at my work, you have to close one eye and squint the other, because that's how I did when I drew it!"