I am just a beginner myself - and I am very impressed. Very good shading - which is one of the things I am worst at. Well done. :D

Now this is quite a thrill; the style of your coloring has changed quite a bit since Vampi. I can't say which style is better as both techniques have a beauty of there own. The style for coloring used in this one is more soft and pastellic in a way; it involves more blending of color variations. I think it fits in better with the invocation of the ethereal and dreamy qualities that are required for elven sketches. The way you colored the eyes is also fascinating...they are saturated with detail and I love the highlights. The coloring of the lips is also nice with the light showing on the prominences. As always you did a good job with the lustre of the jewelry. Now for the hair (which you are practicing)I think this is a great start in portraying the detail strand by strand in color. The light and dark regions rendered on the hair are fascinating and add more to the piece. What kind of bothers me about the hair is the overall geometric feel to it- if you know what I mean. It almost feels like a cutout in some ways. For instance, the edges are not smoothened out, and the relationship between the hairline and the forhead of the character is not really convincing; the hair seems to not be touching the forehead, but rather floating over it. Maybe the manner in which you expressed the shadow on her forehead-just below the hairline- gives rise to this deceptive illusion....maybe I'm wrong. The geometric shape of the overall tiara of hair is perhaps the main problem with it; I really like the multiplicity inherent in the strands of hair going in varying directions. Another problem...which might be with regards to the original drawing by Saskya...is that the eyes seem too small for the facial profile of this character. I am also unsure as to the overall shape/symmetry of the lips; drawing lips is quite hard...same goes for me. Also...perhaps Saskya drew the neck too thick to really imply the graceful and lithe qualities of an elf...just my opinion. Overall, Saskya did a good job with the general structure and profile of the portrait. I will have to see the original. As for yourself, your coloring is really maturing to higher levels. The tonal qualities, the alternations between light and dark, and the distinction of edges with soft shadows are just breathtaking....very good signs of improvement. You do magic with color. Once again, the major weakness (imho) has to do with how you have integrated the hair in conjunction to the scalp; it needs to be more intimately related to the head, and more organic in structure. I hope my comments help, and I am looking forward to seeing more work from you Bob; please keep them coming more frequently, although they take time. Until then, regards......

Awsome Hair. Wish I had the patiance to create like that. You may not think it, but I'm SUPER SUPER lazy. ^_^ I admire your determination and skills. For such a detailed work, I would also deefine the chin more. At this point it's blinds in to the neck to much.

The hair looks great. i think the chin should be more defined.