Alexandra
 

Your absolutely right in that the photo is not in any way equal to the colors from the live model.

It appears that Mischa and Sargent went to the same school when it comes to their approach to the portrait. Your advice on painting the eyes is going to be very helpful. The reason the eyes are so light at this stage is that I like to paint in the highlight color first and then glaze in the darker areas as I think it gives more life to the eyes.

Thank you so much for the mixing suggestions this is an area that I've become very interested in since joining this site.

Thank you again Alexandra for taking the time to instruct and encourage me.

Dan, I am glad that you do not find the advice overwhelming. One of my mistakes, that I do my best to correct, is to rush to the finish, the likeness. When ever I rush I find I must go back to the previous step. I am so glad that oil is so forgiving. The "Master" of old are our teachers and it does take time to understand what it is they wish to teach us.

Painting for me is as is sculpture to Michelangelo. It took me some time to learn that He did not chip the eye out before he established the landmarks where the eye sits. I hope this helps.