Hi James,
Very nice! I like the balance of the composition, the control of values, the accuracy of proportion, and the way you've captured the expression and personality in the face. Glad to hear there is more variation within the dark areas. Sometimes this doesn't show up in photos.
I agree with Garth--I would like to see a tapering off of detail towards the bottom, maybe a suggestion of his hand and crossed arms. In some ways, "suggesting" form is harder to do than rendering it fully, so if you are uncomfortable attempting this in your first pastel, that's okay. It's not a question of talent so much as doing something umpteen times till it's second nature! In the end, the decision is yours.
Alex
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