PROGRESS OF PORTRAIT
I use a layering process for all my paintings. The base tones when applied, are much darker than are seen in the subject, but this is adapted throughout. For portraiture, darker tones are applied to emphasize the facial features, so they can still be seen under further applications of paint but they are also needed to create the dark values which act as the base with which to apply the highlights and ensure the correct balance of colour in the final painting. The early stages can appear quite harsh, but the details are softened as I go along.