Rylie's Day

I spent yesterday on Rylie's portrait.  I just love all those curls that frame out that sweet face. Those great big "Betty Davis Eyes" are to die for!  LOL!

Nothing here has been completely developed.  At this point, I'm just looking to find the appropriate values and shapes of dark, light, and the mid tones.  Rylie's hair is a combination of smooth and coarse.  At least that is what I perceive from the photo.  I have never seen either Sadie or Rylie in person.  Once I am satisfied with the placement of the values and shapes, I'll go back and start adding the coarser individual hairs.  Yeah, I paint those one by one.....a labor of love!
I have enjoyed all of your comments and one I hear a lot is....."how do you do that?"  I'm never sure how to answer that.....I know it is a "gift" from God and one that I cherish every day.  I know that I see the world a little different.....for me it's all about shapes and value.  I know I see color in terms of my palette.....The sky is not just blue....it's ultra marine blue with a bit of titanium white.  That bit of rust is burnt sienna with a touch of burnt umber.  As my husband can attest, I find beauty in the strangest things and will practically stand on my head to get that "perfect" reference shot with my camera.  It's just who I am....and I'm thankful for that every day.