The texture of the fur and shadows on the left side of the face is amazing! The eye on the right side looks slightly higher than that of the other and lines up oddly with the muzzle (a line can usually be drawn between the tear-duct and the corner of the top of the nose if you observe a front view of wolves) Due to the 3/4 view of the face this rule isn't exactly something set in stone but bear it in mind. I recommend with any painting project you get down at least the base colors before getting too detailed as you have- this makes it so that you don't have to worry about white poking through. In any art program I use the layers go as follows from lowest to highest: ink>base color(inlcluding markings and such)> shading (set on multiply)> highlights (set to screen) > then a blending layer where I take a smear tool and blend things together or soften lines (optional). Is that enough of critique for you ? What program are you using? this is definitely a good start for a WIP :) keep going!!! Woo!! painting stuff awwwe yea!

I'm using Cs5 but I don't know much beyond basic functions. I'll have to experiment with what you wrote about the layering. I have an ink layer, followed by a layer of shadows/highlights. But I don't even know what multiply or "set to screen is! XD I'll have to experiment. :D
This has been very helpful. I moved the eye down and referenced the tear-duct to the "line" to the nose. It looks better. :)
I'll post another WIP in a few days.
Thank you so much,
I hope you like the finished product! ~in a month or so.
I really want to embody a vast part of who "I" am,
~the finished product will be this embodiment in as realistic an image of strider yet portrayed.
I guess having passion for the piece helps too? XD

this honestly looks excellent. I'm having a hard time finding things to critique

Thanks dude!