Personally I feel that the strong direction of the background distracts from the serene expression of the face. I personally would choose a greyish background instead of red, but in some cases it might work.
I would develop your skills in painting in opaque paints; you're on the right track, nice job in the skin-tones! (My suggestion: focus on opaque painting...most old masters didn't glaze to achieve the desired effects, the glazing myth leads mostly to confusion)
Peter
P.S. Was blending the bridge of the nose and the lighted part of the face inspired by Vermeer's 'Girl with the Pearl Earring'?
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