Portraits- Lady GaGa (Born this Way)- Self Portrait

So trying something a little different from my crazy africanized figures. Please note this is really my first time trying ANYTHING realistic so go easy on me .

Sorry for the photo quality

working on another...

Hmm... Not trying to be mean or anything like that but if you want to improve.
You need to do the following
Learn the following how to grid a pencil drawing, how to blend & shade using pencils.
Or buy this book.
How to Draw Lifelike Portraits from Photographs

Jon,i think you need a more structured approach,decide what you want to draw and then follow a tutorial.

Not to be rude or anything, but I wasn't exactly asking for criticism. I was just posting it to share it.. That's it.

It's not my style, i'm just taking a break from my style... Not something I will follow up on.

I guess it kind of angers me that someone can post an "abstract" of a few lines curling into each other and they get a bunch of great comments, and then there's people who step out of their comfort zone to get discouraged from doing so ever again.

Jon,don't get all sensitive mate,we all have issues one way or another,if you post something then you should expect comments,good or bad.With regards to the 'Abstract',people viewed it in a humorous way and posted their thoughts,that's what abstract is..interpretation.
Don't stop posting and certainly don't stop drawing,we are a kind of family on here,we don't all get on but we try,and sometimes the humor adds a bit of relief.

The "Self Portrait", in the title, is a little confusing to me.
I'm assuming you're not Lady Gaga.
Is there more of a story behind the title?

I think he originally posted a self portrait after the Lady Gaga drawing... but now it looks like it's gone.

What?!?! I am GaGa! No.. I didnt really like it so I removed it. After all if I'm drawing I better choose a better looking subject .