This process adds what amounts to putting skin over the structure of flesh and muscle that forms a likeness. Most portrait artists manage without this step. I was not satisfied with my early work until I stumbled into this process. When I do the flesh color, I always sculpt with white or Naples yellow. Eventually, I came to realize that it was an even layer of skin that was missing. So I dropped back to the step of darks and brights. Adding it here allowed me to manipulate these values until they seemed right. When an artist watches their portrait come to life, it adds a joy and excitement to their work. I sometimes can hardly wait to finish one project so that I can begin another. I hope you all enjoy your art.