Progress Report
 

So far. The plan here is to get sufficient detail on the faces to work the background as a function of them. (This is not my usual approach which is to work the entire painting at once.) Your comments are treasured!

Phase 2 Detail
 

Detail of faces. She is further from light source (sun) but fairer in complexion. My goal is to establish major planes and values here with basic skin tones so I can go into the rest of the painting with some confidence! Then I expect to return to faces and work this until the painting sings like lovebirds.

It is looking great! I can almost hear it!

HEY-Y-Y... stay with it! You are really homing in on it! Nice. It's a new method, I know, but that's the excitement that we seek. Hang in there, it just may be the method that you're seeking. Then, again, it may not. But ain't it great!

Her dress
 

I hope I'm not boring you all with these progress reports. Your feedback helps me through the day!

Korean Couple Phase 3
 

Here's the image. I am working in order of importance. Even when there are two people in a painting, isn't it a good idea to have only one be the primary focus? She would be my choice, although it will be a challenge to keep him from standing out in that handsome uniform!