I apologize for appearing inconsistent in my painting. I have been sick with one thing or another almost all year. And, unlike Renoir, I don't paint well when ill. Hopefully, primed with flu shots, herbal teas and away from anything that could cause an accident, I am back on track!

The first thing I have done is darken the background. The entire photo is very dark and I am hoping to create the same effect in the painting.