There's a term in multi-stage (multi-day) bicycle races that seems appropriate here: abandon. Of course, it has a noble edge to it, as riders in the Tour de France tend to "abandon" when they crash and break their collarbones, or worse.

You might want to abandon this attempt; the resource photo is problematic, distorted, lit by a flash, all the things that make rendering your interpretation of the subject more difficult than need be.

Have you found a local group that meets and works from a model? I cannot stress how much more you will get out of studies of live objects. Have you attempted another self-portrait after absorbing some of Ryder's lessons? You can also find local statuary (at churches, museums, even cemeteries) to do academic studies from.

I guess what I mean to say is don't get hung up on one exercise, especially if it's from a poor photograph. It will slow your progress.

Jeff--

You're getting a real nice feel for rendering volume and mass as it relates to tonal values. She really has weight and presence.

Quickly, one thing I've noticed consistent in all three drawings is that the edge of her neck is creeping forward. If you drop a plumb line vertically downward on your reference (use the edge of a card or piece of paper), you'll see it ends directly below the edge of the colored part of the eye. Any farther forward than that and it makes her neck too thick, and her head too small.

Hang in there, man, you're getting better. Progress in art is often incremental.

Doggone it!

I thought I had that neck placed exactly right in the block-in. I didn't realize it had shifted until you mentioned it. I guess head size isn't the only thing that gets out of hand. You can't just check it once and forget about it.

Actually, I think it may have stayed put, but I had placed it too early, before the width of the eyes and mouth were finalized (Like you, I used those landmarks to place the neck). I was wondering why she kept looking thick. Thanks.

Mari,

Yes, there's a group that hires a model. They're not an organized group, and they tend to socialize while drawing, but it's better than nothing. The university art dept. also has open studio. The semester just started. I need to go there regularly. Plus, I draw myself in the mirror, and Janice posed for me this weekend.

Jean,

Excellent advice. I'm going to draw Norm's cat today! :)