Virginia,
The painting is awesome and I really enjoyed it. I do not disagree completely with Joseph. I love the background. The only thing I might have done differently maybe is to either carry over some of the varied colored side just slightly beyond the other side of the head (only slightly) as it appears to have a half solid/ half streaked (if I may borrow Joseph's description) which in turn cuts the painting in half vertically.
Or, extend the more solid side into the other side slightly. The colors are wonderful and I personally do not feel that it (background) is distracting but would maybe be less pronounced if the above was incorporated. Great job.
Patt