Usually I don’t add detail at this stage but this girls eyes are the entire focus of the painting. They have to be perfect or I will have failed to capture a truly descriptive image. When adding minute detail at this point in the process it is important to use just the right amount of strength of value; not too dark, not too light. These marks will hold the place as I add layer after layer. They will still be visible when I need to finish the work. Their presence under the layers will add a shadow of reality under the fresh top strokes. I am sitting in front of this canvas that was bare three days ago. Already there is a radiance glowing from the spirit represented here. This is what excites my students and helps them get past the struggle! HalleluYah! I am so thankful to be able to make it to my studio every day and even for the new/old med that my doctor gave me to control my tremors. I am blessed.