When I took the ref photo for this I intended to only do a chiaroscuro drawing so I used just a single light source ( a 75 watt incandescent bulb very close and slightly in front of the subject) It wasn't until later that I decided to attempt it as a pastel and so that is why the lighting is so harsh. Thank you again for your kind observations.
Really dramatic, lovely to see a different form of lighting. Her face can certainly handle the drama of the shadows, what lovely features
I also like the background gradation, subtly done.