Dark Shadows ~A portrait of Barnabas Collins~

I only noticed this contest on Sunday. Motivated by a random stroke of nostalgia for the original television series I occasionally caught in reruns and by the enticing new advertisements for Tim Burton's re-envisioning of the Gothic romance, I had to enter.

I've never really tried to capture the likeness of a real person in my style before. For this I refused to trace Mr. Depp's photo, as a challenge in reproducing features freehand. I was a bit frustrated while painting as I could not add the blushing I would usually to a living face, since this character possesses the pallor of the living dead.

This is the culmination of three full days' work, and I feel a bit more confident at coloring. I still have quite a bit of practicing to go before I am comfortable trying to do anything at a professional level.

I would love any pointers or critiques!