Todays challenge in pastel on sanded paper. 12"x18"

Here is the second in a challenge to complete ten pieces in this style. 

Moving into a new direction with my portraits. I want them to be more than a representation of a person. I want them to show the experience and expression while moving into the abstracted form. 

I always want to be moving into an intended focus. Here is a pastel done on sanded paper. 

I have done the gesso on masonite with pastel before on landscapes but wanted to see how it worked with people. I really enjoyed the whole process and drawing was almost meditational because of the slower pace and tiny details.