Still difficult to see yet, but I have made a start. With this painting, I am trying a different technique - I am going to block in large areas of underpainting and make them smooth, rather than impasto in texture. I shall wait for areas to dry before overpainting with the different tones and textures. I think that this will be more suited to the large areas in the composition and the subject.
I am also using a method where I paint in the dark areas in the early stages and work the lighter areas later, gradually building up the different tones.
I shall need to think more carefully before I add paint.
I will also use 'soft' edges to add the natural feel of the work. Using hard edges, especially on this scale, would have the effect of making the subject appear 2 dimensional or superimposed on the background.
I have to admit, though, that i am experiencing more apprehension with this painting than any other that I have done. When painting a portrait, if the image does not match the communal image of the person, there is some disappointment for the artist. It is important to me also, that the character of the person 'shines through' in the finished work.