my first attempt at painting...

I've never written a critique before so bare with me; however, I think this deserves it.

For starters, I'd say, for one of your first attempts at painting, it's well done. The different colors in the fur give it life, especially in the white part. Sometimes, the white part goes ignored, which makes it look a little too two dimensional. I do think the lips could stand to be more defined; while painting, it's never a bad thing to use very solid and bold lines for things that stand out, like the lips. I think if the lips were more prominent it would really bring out the expression.

The expression itself seems to be fine, although I think the eye is a bit large in comparison to the muzzle. Reducing the eye size just a bit, while making the top of the muzzle a little less curved (and I mean a very small amount) would go a long way in bringing this together.

The colors themselves are well done, as I mentioned above; the colors of the scarf contrast well with the rest of the fox.

All in all, it's a very cute piece (I'd love to see a background, I think you could handle it easily!), you did a great job on the fur, and I think with a little more practice you could make some great art!