Compost Mentis

I haven't been painting much, work has kept me busy. I keep thinking I'll just forget to paint one day, if I don't practice enough. So when I'm not feeling particularly creative or when I think I just need to push myself in capturing detail and observing better, I usually pick a reference and try to match it as closely as possible.
So anyway,I came across this BEAUTIFUL image in photo.net by a very very talented photographer called Dirk Vermeirre. I haven't come anywhere close in matching the softness of his features (and the eyes are oh-so-off!) but in some way I like how the painting has a character of its own ( he's got serial killer eyes, eh?)
Reference used with permission

And the stages!( a little heavy, please wait + open in a new window :))