Self portrait progression ....

I've decided to tackle a self portrait but instead of the usual I thought it be interesting to do one entitled "Dark Side" 

I have always disliked self portraits because they reveal a lot more about you then you are usually willing to reveal in the first place. This time I figured why not put all the "ugly" on the table and see what comes of it. I'm using this as a learning experience. 

the original source (my face)

stage one

stage two 

Finished Product

The Painting Struggle... I Need Your Help!

After waiting most the summer to re reunited with my paint brushes and paints I FINALLY got to make a few strokes. Now I sit at the awkward point of do I keep adding paint to this piece? OR Left it alone. Being that I'm no longer in school I can't just drag them to class and ask a room of 15 of my peers what they think. SOOOOO like many struggling artist I turn to the internet for opinions, critique, & criticism. 

Tell me what you think.....

Add thicker paint or leave it flat?

Refine the upper body then leave it along or add more?

Except for the unfinished elephant, Should I add a layer on each of those canvases or  only some or none ?