need some tips

[Cheryl Ellicott]

Hi all,


I feel intimidated posting this, but I could use some in-depth, professional critique.

Don't be kind....just be honest.

This is a post-humous portrait I've been working on for awhile. I've previously done pastels and have just switched over to oils.

This is the first portrait I've completed in oils... it has been fun and challenging.

The hardest part is the reference photos. As some people here recommended previously, I used a better reference photo with good lighting here and just tried to adapt it to be the guy I'm painting.

Any ideas on how to make him look "less stoned" and to make this better, etc., will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.


Cheryl