Another first attempt
 

Hey everyone. I just recently signed up after seeing the consistent amount of good input and discussion at this site. Instead of just being a passive member (i.e. never posting), I decided to stick my neck out and post my first portrait. It was done with prismacolor colored pencil on a dark brown cresent 4-ply matboard. Unfortunately I no longer have the reference photo to provide as a comparison. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I think I got it
 

Hopefully this goes through and I haven't scared you away from taking another look.

Wow!
 

You are far too modest. If drawing is the key to realistic portrait painting, you are ripe for a paint brush. :D!

I love this value study. I'd love to see what you do with paint.

Another attempt
 

I second that last comment!!! Also, I'd like to see this in color.

Thanks for the compliments. I'd like to see this in color too but, I'm scared to death of working in color. On Karin Wells' recommendation, I'm going to start painting with Genesis paints, but only as an underpainting (monochromatic) until I'm ready to add color on top. If anyone has a strategy to start incorporating color please fill me in. Thanks again.