My SP, I THINK it's finished.

The scan doesn't show very well what I have done on the hair, there are really some darker values. I think I will consider this finished, unless someone sees some changes that would improve the work.

All comments and critique welcome.

Thanks for looking.

My SP, recent update--

I have done more work on my self-portrait.

I would be happy for any suggestions on doing the hair, and any comments for improvement.

11x14 Bristol Smooth, mostly 5mm 2B mechanical pencil with some 3mm H and 9mm HB

Thanks for looking.

Still Life (Oils)

I am doing this still life, using the classical method of painting in layers, (rather similar to using layers in graphite drawing). This is the 2nd color layer and, to take the pic, I propped up the painting near the still life setup. I still need to darken some of the shadows and brighten hilites, which I will do in the next color layers.

I love painting this way. For years I struggled along, painting in a direct way, and I never really knew what I was doing and when I was finished (lol), except that I always seemed to end up with the dreaded MUD.

The one big problem with painting in layers is allowing time for each layer to dry before going to the next, but that gives me time to start another painting, I have three on the go right now, including this still life. I could use liquin as a medium, which would allow drying overnight but I'm trying to stay with the Old Masters' mediums, at least for now.

Thanks for any comments and critique.