I realy like that portrait. Personally, i think you could to expose her face just a little more. Even just her right eye would do. I think her face is a little too hidden otherwise.

 

Hi Guys

I thought I'd try an avatar for my first piece on the new forum. While I'm happy with what I've done, I'm a little disappointed as i was hoping to be able to finish this without the need for crits. But as always with most of my work, i get to a point where i find myself rushing and guessing to finish the job. So its time for some criticism, here is the pic:

x2 size
[edit: converted to gif]

I have a few things to highlight.
1. The hair is where I'm stuck (so no AA or anything around here). Perhaps I've gone overboard on the highlighting/shading? does the hair flow too far back?
2. I have a feeling his forehead is too short. . I've tried to cut/raise his head. It looks ok to me at the moment tho..
3. I've noticed i keep changing the way i AA my art and there are spots where i wasn't sure what i was doing exactly (especially around the ear).
4. I think the face needs some highlighting or another pallate. I was going to try to make one of those FAD avatars and used that pallate on the face. Perhaps its not adequate for this pic.

Any crits welcome.
Thanks guys.

This does look promising. I have a suggestion.

I think you need to get a solid reference of the characters body and build on that. So ignore the cloak. Try to sketch a rough outline of the characters upper body: head, shoulders and arms then go from there. When this looks alright then begin detailing a cloak over the figure.

when i first saw this, "the thinker" statue came to mind. Perhaps this will be a good reference? he's a bit chunkier but would it be easier to wrap a cloak on this guy?
http://www.thestarkeepers.com/images/The%20Thinker.gif

I only just stumbled on this forum. i thought Pixelation was dead!

Anyway, i thought id say hi. Time to get pixeling.