new to color

[CTC]

I would be greatful for anyone to share their thoughts about this. Maybe give some pointers. I haven't used color very much. It is basically my first attempt at a color self-portrait. I did it in Painter Classic. Thanks!

http://www.rsad.edu/~ccording/illustration/me_large.jpg

[CTC]

What do you think about the contrast, the warm and cool balance, proportions, flesh tone, definition of form? I was going for a realistic representation...not that you can judge it based on what I actually look like. Maybe someone can help out with the hair? That's where I'm least comfortable. Am I heading toward any pit-falls?

[pibb991]

i like the hair, except whats left of the gesture/outline drawing is kind of distracting-- i think it would help if that was erased. looks realistic to me so i would say your on the right track. the only thing i notice is the eyes look a bit big and bottom lip looks a bit red.

[Crawley]

what is the reference?

on the face i'd look for more color in the shadows. given how warm the left side is the shadows seem kinda purply like bruises. they light side of the face is nice though. maybe the light side of the hair could be lighter and warmer. i'd also darken and cool the background some.

i like the intensity in the stare. makes me think there's someone sneaking up behind my right shoulder.

[CTC]

Those are all good points and they will certainly help with my next one. Maybe I'll keep working on this one. For reference I looked in a mirror in my room. I think the background was in fact darker than what I showed here. I wonder if a darker background would help the purple shadows on my face look less bruisy. heheh I was simply trying to get a likeness of me, so my face naturally took this stare of concentration. That is a very interesting take on it. Thanks for both of your help!