Dear Karin,
It's very nice for you to take the time to reply. I thought more about the order of mixing than the paint itself (as examples). I read your superior posting about underpainting (dog). I have the example from Michael Georges with Cupido, too. I painted the underpainting with raw umber + zinc white. I used your 5 tones and mixed with blackoil and a little bit of Venetian turpentine. It dried very rapidly, perhaps too fast (tacky). But I think you are right, mine was too thin. The second attempt would be better.
Now I've glazed the background with burnt sienna + slightly french ultramarine, her hair with ivory black (more Liquin). Result: the original chestnut tone, and shirt only rose (originally rose and part.gray). I will try what you say about earth tones.
This picture must be ready Saturday. After, they're back to Milano. My thoughts are too complicated for my English.
With respect,
Leslie