This will not make much sense at the first stage. some areas are black and some a dark navy blue. The shape at the top is the sleeve of a cardigan on the elbow which is resting on the ledge of a gondola. I am thinking of leaving the figure until I have completed the background. I think that, as a friend said recently, I am being brave painting a portrait of my wife. I might agree!
The consolation is, that it will be done with a very large amount of love and a modicum os sensitivity.