On The Drawing Board: Face value

My new project is a commission. It's been a long time in the works. Even though the customers were in no hurry, I am glad to finally be working on the actual pastel painting part of it. The development process took sometime. The clients had some basic ideas for the piece and a few specific requirements. I tried to incorporate them as best I could and offered up a few variations. I finally came up with a simple layout for the painting which I think best captures the essence of what they wanted. I hope it turns out to their liking.

The first face is starting to come together. Getting the faces right is usually my first goal. They carry the tone or the 'soul' of the whole illustration.