A Portrait of Helen process...

I managed to get this painting done in three/four sittings, which I was forced into due to a tight ass schedule. For that reason I'm pleased with the outcome. It does feel like I'm not as tight with the application of the paint. For example its certainly looser than the Rich painting. Just when you think you've taken two steps back, you suddenly take one forward. I was going for a chiaroscuro effect with this one, which was an old favourite technique of the Masters of course. I handled a lot of the light areas with a palette knife, which I think has worked out quite well...