It is a very well done piece. The proportions, if you were going for realism, seem to be there, she's about seven heads tall. The head itself is a little small for the rest of the body, but no harm done.

As for success in realism, some pieces still take on that cartoon feel. But if you're new to drawing realistic portraits that's understandable. It takes some time to get use to switching gears from cartoon to realism, especially when cartoon allows you to simplify SO MUCH.

But for your next attempt, realism all comes down to shadows and details. Most of where this fell short was in the face and hair. Hair in realism isn't defined by an outlined polygonal shape, but there are many lines and value involved. The ear isn't a simple disk either, it has many forms and depths of value within it. Also noses and lips aren't lines, they are straight shadow. As for the eyes, you can tell they still take on that cartoon form because they don't have a lower lid. But again, this all comes in practice.

I would suggest, if you're serious about learning realism, to start out with just drawing the head and working out the shape and shading there. In realism the head can generally be the most detailed piece, so learning to master it first will do wonders. Oh and another thing, invest in a tortillion. They are your LIFE AND SOUL when is comes to realism (just my opinion).

Keep at it! The first few steps always feel like giant leaps, but after that there is always a lovely stroll to look forward to. :)

~Colleen