Getting started

Alright, so I know I need to start basic.  The first thing that always throws me, and I rarely get right, is a thing I don't think I've ever truly understood, is value.  It's such a basic concept, but I don't grasp it fully.  So this is where I begin.



A value study, copied from a picture.  I'm pleased!



Then, using this "posterized" reference photo,

I do this, and it's all kinds of messed up.  I've paid no attention to what to photo actually shows, and instead am just trying to make it look good.

I think I've done better on my second attempt, done with water-soluble pencils, but it remains unfinished .so far . . .