Seeking Critique on Value Study

[yaketymac]

Hey! 

I'm seeking some guidance on this value study. I think one of the main issues I'm having with it is how there isn't a wide value range in his face, it's mostly on the darker side. I'm pretty new to digital art still, so I'm still getting used to how the brush strokes, but I still think I used to many brush strokes. Is there anything I can do to help improve that other than consciously using less strokes? Also if anyone has any general tips to help me improve that would greatly be appreciated!

hey, so its not a terrible value study
might be useful to paint smaller at first, when you look at the whole image backed up you will have an easier time getting the general read of the values.
when your eyes focus in on parts of the face while youre a bit closer, your eyes adjust to the immediate range in that small area, allowing you to discern more value shifts there but may throw off the overall.
you want to keep in mind the overall value balance as you go in for more details

i recommend you do a few studies that you never get so zoomed in on. maybe keep the drawing size about the size of the palm of your hand and the reference likewise 

next pay more attention to structure, the light is describing the forms
some areas are getting overly smoothed and worked
again zoom out on the ref and the painting and check how the forms are reading at a distance

Stroke wise, theyre following the light shapes rather than describing the face forms
I did a little pant over just of the chin area to maybe help show how you could progress it

hope it helps, if you have further questions, go for it

It means a lot to have someone look over my work like you did! I'll keep that in mind for any studies I do in the future. Im self taught, so I'm picking up what I can from other artists and learning the fundamentals. As for your specific advise, I can absolutely see what you were talking about now staying zoomed out and leave any zooming for detail work. The paint over you did makes a lot more sense to me as well. I want to practice, but not for just the sake of practicing if that makes sense? Practice with a specific intent, so like I said this will help a lot. Thank you again!