Perfection is the enemy of mastery. Just learn one thing at a time. Start with proportions. Move on to light and dark. You should be able to create a semi-recognisable portrait with next to no details. Only when you've got to that stage do you move into any detailing at all.

You'll learn a lot more doing lots of fast exercises, than trying to create a master piece. Finish sooner, and you'll accelerate faster

Thanks. Clip studio paint, just one or two charcoal brushes. Samsung S7+ tablet.

Wow, these words are seriously inspiring and motivating, thank you, I appreciate it. I'm forty seven and only started drawing seriously two years ago to keep me sane over lockdown.

Honestly, that wasn''t my intention with this. Your point is fair, at the same time the actress had this look for quite a while, and looked just like this in shoots/interviews at the time. If you check my many portrait posts I've never done a single piece of fan art. I just wanted a reference with a 50's look and remembered how much she resonated. Your carving is exquisite btw..

Wtf?! Total coincidence!

Hey, thank you. Do you mean the background of the piece? It's just a rough paper texture/image I found on a random texture site. I like to recreate a sketchbook look. Just the subject, little else.

I guess the soft hazy look was helped by the fact the reference is a grab from 90s quality video, so there's little definition.

I also tuned up the contrast on the reference to bring out the darks more, and lose details to shadow.

I spent a good chunk of time blocking in darks, blending a bit, then going back in with darks, the same way you do with real charcoal. So you get a mix of smokey effect, but with some definition.

Check out Jeff Haines demo videos. He uses this technique, block in, blend it right down, go back in.

I've learned everything I use in digital painting and drawing from traditional medium oil and charcoal tutorials. I don't use all the bells and whistles of the software. Just a couple of brushes, one layer, nice and simple. (I do use the liquify tool to fine tweak the super subtle details I'm the eyes etc)

Check out Lane Brown's demos too.

She played her too https://www.thebiopicstory.com/taylor-fenn-review

Ha, yeah! I'm with you - I could never make my mind up between the two. My adolescent brain had the choice apparently!

Oops, yeah sorry about that! Someone sent me over there saying the sub would appreciate it.

I was 15 when TP came out in the UK. Old enough to be put under her spell. 32 years later, she's still got me.

the S7+ is a 12.9' pro tablet. Much prefer the rubber tipped S pen to the hard nib of iPad.

Ah man, appreciate you kind works. It's all in her eyes, I spent a long time trying to find her mischievous look. cheers Tony .

I get that, she's like the Sherilyn Fenn of the 2020's

Stripped down portrait of my first true love, Sherelyn Fenn (in my 15 year old mind).

Reference taken from video grab from Twin Peaks. So credit goes to Mr D Lynch for this shot composition and to Ms. Fenn for her unique look.

Charcoal brushes in Clip Studio Paint, Samsung S7+ tablet.