Artwork Finished, Color Pencil Tip and Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone!
I am a couple days late on this post, but I haven't had any time to post. Things have been quite hectic with family and we are now moving to a new home. So I have been busy sorting, cleaning and packing. After 10 years+ living out in the country, we are moving into the city. It will be quite a change and I will miss it out here, but due to my health and my daughter getting services for her PDD, we have to move into town.
Anyways, I finally finished the current work in progress. I have to say this is one of the hardest portraits I have ever worked on due to having to go by such a small photograph. The eyes were the most difficult because of the poor photograph. I gave it to my mom today, but I am not sure if she really liked it. Hard to tell. She says it's cool, but my mom has never been a big fan or supporter of my artwork and especially color pencil.
Title: The Links
Medium: Color Pencil and Watercolor Pencil
Size: 13.75 x 11.0

Color Pencil Tip of the Week
Some color pencil artists will use color pencil dust to use as a base color or undertone. To create the dust, first use a small fine strainer or a sanding board and grate the pencil lead off into a fine powder. Next, apply the dust using  either a q-tip, cotton ball, or brush. Next, dip brush or q-tip into odorless mineral spirits and use painterly strokes onto the area of the dust, thus creating a toned underpainting. The mineral spirits liquefys the wax, creating more vibrant colors.

Resource of the Week
Huge resource on color pencil tips and techniques by artist Sheri Doty. Good section on Mineral Spirits and Solvents.
http://www.artinstructionblog.com/colored-pencil-tools-and-techniques-for-the-wax-and-oil-based-colored-pencil

Hope you all have a great week!

Keep on Creating!

Carol