Practice study

[Chris Saper]

PS Light backgrounds aren't a necessary problem, and I have seen many wonderful pieces with light grounds.

I think that the issue is to stay true to your subject. Very obvious paintng from life, but much less so trying to deal with a photo,esecially if you are trying to renvent background/light sources etc. I really think you have to start with an image of tonal compositions.

[Mary Cupp]

I have made some subtle changes here. I had a real struggle with the eye. Just want to see what you think of it now.