The profile pose

[Michele Rushworth]

Here's a detail of perhaps the most famous portrait of the last hundred and fifty years. John Singer Sargent said it was probably the best painting he ever did.

This woman was famous in Paris, for her wealth, style and, not the least, for her distinctive profile!

As far as your Les portrait, Beth, I think you should take it to whatever stage you feel is finished. (I think it's almost finished as it is, actually. Maybe a couple of touches on the eye, and whatever remains to be done on the background and shirt and you're done. I wouldn't finish it so far that you lose the fresh brushwork you have.)

So, yes, I think a profile can definitely be a strong finished piece!