You wouldn't believe how hard I worked on this. --> X But I'm very unsatisfied with how 'digitalized' and unrealistic it turned out.

The problem with having lineart on that painting is that it totally takes away from any kind of realistic feel that the piece might have. But on the other hand when I leave it out, the painting ends up lacking definition. D: I need to find a middle ground. But hoooow?

Also, I feel like something is off about the hair. I'm aiming for the kind of ultra-realistic effect, so if anyone knows where I can find the perfect tutorial, it'd be much appreciated. :)

NEED YO' OPINIONS.

And as a casual question, would you buy artwork of this quality? I have yet to take commissions, but I'm just wondering.

The middle ground between lines and line-less may be pushing your darks farther. You could push some shadows darker- such as the far side of the face and under the jawline. Also consider soft shadows vs hard shadows. Cast shadows, the shadows caused by overlapping objects, have distinct outlines whereas forms and masses, generally show soft shadows. The shadow the hair casts on the face would be an example of a cast shadow (id sharp line) and the shadow found on an arm or torso would be a soft shadow.

I think you have a great start towards more realistic work. The hair is done extremely well and it looks like you have an understanding of rendering. I think now you just need to experiment and push your darks darker, and lights lighter. Sometimes it helps to have a middle gray or neutral background. (you'll find your shading will be less intense if you put it against a darker color background).

If you are interested in opening commission then go for it! Commission work is a real job and should be I treated as such (especially if you're dealing with real currency). I would highly recommend doing some research prior to opening up a shop/thread (artist_beware on livejournal can be a wealth of information).

I'd love to see your results if you decide to experiment on this or other pieces. C:

I can tell you have a really good grip of anatomy and facial structure (something I struggle with all the time, I'm jealous haha.) I'm just getting into figure drawing but I've learned it has a lot to do with shading and value. Try giving your shading a little more contrast and focus on shading not just individual muscles or contours, but on how light should fall on the overall figure. You did a great job of outlining and hi-lighting all the little swirls and pieces of hair, but overall shading will make it look more 3D. I'd darken the hair further away from the light source considerably and include shadows cast down from the top layers of hair onto the ones beneath them. You're doing great though, I especially love how I can see the curve of the cheeks.

this! I really like the picture so far, but the main problem I see is the fact that I can't really find a definite light source. you could also try using a wider palette for a more realistic skin color - I usually keep at least 5-10 different skin tone swatches on hand, ranging from the usual shades of brown to dull reds/yellows/purples and white. same for the hair. 8)

Duck my life. Internet crashed-- time to retype all of that.

Well first off I would like to say you have a good handle on anatomy and that would make a lovely not superrealism drawing.

However if you are looking to go to the extreme realism then keep reading. ;D

Realism isn't about being lineless. You can have a drawing with lineart and still have it look fairly realistic by using A) lines that aren't just one color B) using lighting to help bring out the shading under the lines.

Realism is all about shading and anatomy, try using stock to help you get a better idea on how to make your drawing more dynamic lighting wise

For example : http://th06.deviantart.net/fs50/PRE/i/2009/315/f/0/Candlelight2_stock_by_Pieceofmestock.jpg

See how Pieceofmestock 's photo from deviantart has a soft main light coming from the left then shadows on the right, then a backlight highlight on the far right? This makes for a very rounded and 3d look which sounds weird when talking about a photo-- but now think about this in a drawing.

Anatomy I'm not going to rant about because you seem to have that.

Next color:

Trying adding some more shades to your pallette, realistic skin tone has a TON of shades. I don't even bother with a pallete, just picking from the skin as I go along adding more colors as needed.

To show you that realism with lines is possible I did a quick sketch of me in webcam

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/39412510/sfsdpfspfsioquick.png

See how even though the shading is chunky and there are lines it still looks fairly realistic because of my large pallete, light source and none flat colored lineart?

Hope this helped a little.

If you want a tiny tutorial on any parts you are struggling with feel free to ask. Or if you just need help on realism drawing anytime in the future just ping me or smail me-- always happy to help.