This was an interesting step: Before jumping into white I re-examine the original painting and decide I will start to layer the “cotton candy” color first. After mixing the incorrect color for the background I found it to be the perfect color for the hair – surprise! Notice how the yellow and orange begin to cover the initial red brush strokes?
After a little more work I’m feeling good about the background. I can now move to her skin tone.
Uh oh – what a mess! You can see the textured brush strokes in the close-up photo on the left.