[Garth Herrick]

Sandra,

Why not have a fun and chirpy background like the one in your reference, instead of black, which seems too stark and strong with such a delicate little face? The eyes and nose seem a little large in proportion, but that probably has more to do with the head being proportionately small. For the size canvas you are working on, the head must be well over life size, which is often difficult to justify. It would be easier to get the proportional relationships more correct if you don't exceed life-size.

There are some beautiful color temperature shifts in the reference, especially in the hair that could add significantly more dimension to your portrait. You have too much light on the upper lip, which should be more shaded and cooler in color. A change like this will support rosier cheeks and more crimson in the lips. The blue eyes seem a little too light in value too.

You are fortunate to have such an excellent reference photo to work from. I am being a little hard on you, but I am glad you are sharing this.