Interesting. I would like to know more about your process. Do you draw the portrait first and then add the design? How do you do this?

Thanks Wassie!
I make a rough drawing of the subject first. Then I start roughly drawing in the more important patterns that might communicate something. Then I start rendering with the colour bits being careful to work a little bit at a time on the entire surface. Those bits make patterns that interact from all over the painting, so constantly working the entire surface is a must. I would characterize it as half designed (thought out) and half done with intuition (feeling). Comes out like an organized chaos I guess. I more or less live that way So it feels right.

I have some of my better paintings here if you want to take a look:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/3028949/Pastel-Paintings

Yes Ginny! The patterns roughly conform to that large five point flower! Thanks for noticing!