Here is where many get frustrated and discouraged and yet I tell my students to enjoy the part where they get to slowly build a masterpiece. A wonderful portrait is not laid down on canvas with a slash and dash formula. It takes a lot of patience and planning to make this look effortless. Today, after a long morning in the garden, thankfully with a strong willing helper, I came to my work in the studio. Upon careful examination and thought, I decided to lighten and brighten the background. I put some planning strokes and first layer of color into the sleeve and neckline of the dress. I even whited out the background to extend the front edge of the dress to make it hang in a more natural way. I carefully plotted out the curls. The artist must decide if she wants the hair impressionistic or more realistic. For this one I am going for realism. Then I studied the line, just the line where the lips touch, and refined the drawing. Don’t let the eyes fool you. Work on perfecting them touch by touch, stroke by stroke. Build them up layer by layer. They can be the most beautiful part of a portrait. Don’t use heavy dark paint in the beginning or you will loose your opportunity to correct and perfect them. This child has wonderful features and I am aiming to capture the look of wonder and mystery in her gaze. Happy painting. Diana