This is the picture I finished painting yesterday. I started it quite a while ago, so I am happy to have finally finished it. I got a bit stuck on the hair and the wave so had to stop to consider how to move forward. I used to get upset when I quit about two-thirds through a picture because I started to become critical but I realize now that it is often because I don't know what to do next or how to do the next step. I sketched this picture a few years ago and attempted painting it before but just made a mess of it so I am pleased it went well this time. I used modelling paste to get the texture and learned that you need to give modelling paste a good coat of gesso otherwise it 's slippery to paint on and is glossy.

I received my first order of books today from Chapters, they are way quicker than Amazon. Four more orders to go (yes, I did go a bit crazy). This is going to be a fun week, love getting parcels in the mail.