Michele, I have really enjoyed watching this progress. And I must say your personal work has grown it leaps and bounds! Bravo!
When you were highlighting the chin that was Tony's demo, and explaining it to Carl, I am afraid I was having a senior moment. Are you saying he almost stipples the color onto the canvas then blends with a sable? I found when I had problems with a hand, I could do a posterized value output and stipple the mapped value and it really helped to simplify and kept the skin texture from needing dermabrasion. What size brush (European/American) is he using for this process?
I have found most people do the underpainting from life pretty much the same way, like we did with Bill. I find this the best method for me if I am working from reference, but the one Marvin teaches, is really different and just really works well when drawing from life. Your start by toning your whole canvas to the darkest tone of the skin and wipe off or add depending on value needed, it gives you a 6 hour window.
Knowing you have all the time in the world
could you possibly post just a small sample of the actual application of color with the small brush!
Great job! You are lucky! I wish now I had paid better attention to your easel position, I hope you got a good one this time!
Beth