Well, I was not expecting to do any work on Sophia today because the features on her face should be thoroughly dry before the next step. As I studied everything on the canvas, (always an important thing since it helps the artist learn), i realized i could add some landmarks in the shirt and put a first coat on the background. The old masters studied drapery, folds and clothing for long periods as apprentices before they were allowed to move on with other painting. I approach fabric just as most other things; applying the light and shadows first. You can buff or use a tissue to blot so that you don’t leave too much paint on the surface. Think of this as a place marker or a map to help you lay out the patterns of wrinkles. I enjoy painting patterns, on fabric, hair, water, etc. Be warry of choosing a bright color for a background. Sophie’s skin tones are ivory and pink. I chose a neutral green for the background. I mixed cadmium yellow and phthalo blue which made a beautiful bright green, way too bright or intense. I softened it a little with white, still too bright! Now, try to remember this next part! The color, very pretty, was TOO INTENSE and it needed DESATURATED. I didn’t want the color changed. I only wanted the brightness brought down. So, I added some of my original dark. you could probably use black or gray. Don’t be surprised if at first it looks like mud. Spread it on, making it darker and lighter where needed. You will learn from practice how this desaturated color will look good without overpowering the image. we find our true difficulties arise from going to bright, dark or heavy on our first move. That is all for today. I hope these suggestions and instructions are helpful. Remember, you can always refer to them as needed. Hugs, Diana