That's a beautiful drawing with extremely sensitive shading.

I don't think there are any " rules" you have to follow. I've seen plenty of portraits with simple color (colors) in the background, also ones with objects or scenes behind them. As the artist, it's up to you to decide what effect or story you are trying to present.

I hope you will post a picture of your finished painting. 😊

 

Placing a background, even just a suggestion of something in the background, isn’t mandatory, and is up to the discretion of the painter. Often times the background is a series of gradations of value and / or color.

Personally, I prefer a suggestion of a deep shadow with values and shapes suggesting a contrasting texture to the object to place them in a “world”, though of course, that is an art taste and not part of any hard rules.

Where you place it on the canvas, how it is lit, how the edges interact with the background are all considerations for whether a background is warranted.

All the best,
Mark

 

It all depends on you -in my opinion-

An empty background makes the subject stand out on its own. A filled background distracts attention but will provide harmony. Whichever you prefer. It is your work, your message, your Art.

 

Good answer, Tomsy. I think you said it best. 😊