This is my first at using Ink-scape to create a portrait . This is where I am at this point of working. I want to now start on the background. Any feed back or critique is appreciated. Thanks.

Are you working from a reference photo, or entirely "from scratch"? The only thing that seems "off" to me, is that the man is all straight and stiff. Is that like a jumpsuit he's wearing, or have you just not gotten around to drawing the clothes yet? Even if that's how he's standing, you'd expect to see wrinkles in the clothing (like the woman's shirt) at the knees, hips/waiste, armpits, elbows. Even though it's a dark color, you'd see wrinkles as highlights rather than shadows. Actually I do see some slight elbows. But in a relaxed state, his fingers would not be perfectly straight like that. If giving them the natural curve it too difficult (no offense intended, it would be difficult for me!) maybe you could have his hand kind of in his pants pocket (if there is one). And finally, the man's head is turned a little, but his body is facing straight on. Maybe you could have him twist a little at the waist or something, like the woman. I'm not so worried about the knees of the woman, because that style of pants often doesn't show the knees as much.

And that's all assuming that this is going to be the finished size. If it's going to be a lot smaller, then those details may not even be necessary.

What I like about it is the faces and heads. Everything is well shaped, proportioned, and colored. I really like the woman's top. You really have captured every nuance on her!

I think you've made a great start with Inkscape! Clearly you've learned some good skills already, and who knows how much better you'll get with more practice

Brynn,
Thanks for your positive input and feedback. I am working this entirely from brain to 1's and 0's. No reference. I am still not finished with the details of the man including the folds on the clothing amongst others.However, I have to thank you for the suggestion of twisting the torso a bit to match the direction he is facing. As far as the fingers I will take your critique and massage it to a natural state of rest.I am up to the challenge! Thanks for your critiques and suggestions. I already paint and draw outside of the digital realm and wanted to enter the digital using digital tools that allow me to create freely with full control and ownership.

This is where I'm at. Been really busy with work and other "analog" artwork but i want to try to finish this soon. In the background I will be placing the Watts Towers.

Wow! Looks great