Capturing light help on Ruth WIP

[Dianne Gardner]

This is my first post here in the critique forum. I finally got enough nerve to show my work. I am in awe at the beautiful portraits I have been viewing here. It is my desire to improve so please critique!

I began this painting with a live sitting. Its is a 36 X 24. Unfortunately I didn't finish it in the 3 hours of the open studio but I did take photos. The photos did not turn out well at all so I plan on bringing the model back to work on her hands. I am also going to work on the lighting more. I have found though that I am having difficulty finding a color for the part of her dress that is shadowed. The dress has flowers and colors throughout it and is somewhat sheer in some places. I would like to keep it suggestive so as to keep the face the focal point but I am not happy with what I have. I am thinking there is not enough contrast. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thank you. Also, critique on the face is welcomed.

Dianne