The background seems a bit “filled” in with an overly dark background that doesn’t play into the portrait drawing values-in other words, the two value systems are too dissimilar. While the mark making is experimental and expressive, it could be pushed to show volume more, especially in the cheeks and forehead. Overall, you did good work pushing yourself independently, especially in the teeth-they are tricky to draw and you nailed it.
The background seems a bit “filled” in with an overly dark background that doesn’t play into the portrait drawing values-in other words, the two value systems are too dissimilar. While the mark making is experimental and expressive, it could be pushed to show volume more, especially in the cheeks and forehead. Overall, you did good work pushing yourself independently, especially in the teeth-they are tricky to draw and you nailed it.