Self-Portraing (photo ref)

[Luggage]

Hello guys!
Since this is my first post at these forums, I'm gonna introduce myself ;)
I'm fairly new to painting and concepting, and I'm atm trying to get a portfolio filled to apply at a few art/design colleges. I've done a lot of level design and related work for unreal games in my free time, but I doubt that's enough to convince the colleges' portfolio judges to let me in... so I'm trying to acquire better drawing and painting skills.

Today I started on a self-portrait from a snapshot of myself that I really dig: link (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/newLugg1.jpg).

Here's how far I've got, 40 mins so far:

http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip2.jpg
I traced a few lines from the photo for reference, and grabbed my color palette from there too.

I'd appreciate every advice or tutorial link that you have to spare, I'm learning a lot these days, but not nearly fast enough.
I'll post more progress as I make it.

Cheers,
Lugg

[Luggage]

Update:

http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip5.jpg

I'm putting this aside for now, but I'm still very curious to hear your comments and critiques. I hope I haven't posted in the wrong forum for that?

Cheers, Lugg

[Luggage]

Another update:

http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip6.jpg

Crits please? *dog's eyes*

[klinesmoker]

I always like to watch the progression of pieces in threads. First things first, I think the angle of the face in combination of the warm color use gives this piece just an incredible feel. The end result (so far) is extremely well done, with a softer touch overall. Good job, my friend. Keep creating like this and you'll be a star!

[Luggage]

Thanks! The reference photo is just incredible though, if I could create this sort of feeling from scratch, I'd be happy. :bashful:

Here's all the progress if you're interested:
0 (reference) (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/newLugg1.jpg) | 1 (traced) (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip1.jpg) | 2 (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip2.jpg) | 3 (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip3.jpg) | 4 (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip4.jpg) | 5 (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip5.jpg) | 6 (http://www.planetunreal.com/luggage/temp/selfportrait1-wip6.jpg)

Cheers,
Lugg

[klinesmoker]

Sweetness, you're the man. I've been trying hard NOT to use Painter and the like (I'm old school and all about open-canvas). Alas, I think I am going to give in. This will help me get started! I owe you one.

[Lake]

Spiffy Portrait that there it is.