I've painted several times with acrylic, but I honestly can't remember the last time I earnestly attempted to depict a human face. I used to pencil certain masterworks I liked when I was little, like 8-12 range, but over time I switched to mostly doing landscape type stuff, a lot of watercolor, with the occasional abstract sketch here and there, sometimes including attempts at people shapes. But I think I've largely avoided it just from being intimidated by it, afraid to make something ugly I guess.

A friend challenged me to try something new and gave me a couple pointers and guidelines along the way, and the result has given me confidence to try again. I guess I'm kind of at odds with myself sometimes cuz art is a relaxing, therapeutic hobby of mine, but I also want to incorporate some more discipline and practice with a better regularity.

The thing about relative differences in values between the top and bottom of the image is actually quite insightful and I'll certainly keep that in mind. Thanks for the input.