Commission... trial & errors

So I am deep in the trenches of my first real commission, & learning ALOT! I strayed completely away from the original sketch. (First lesson learned. Not the wisest of choices perhaps) But I LOVED this layout WAY better.

I am thinking now that maybe I will start another, follow the sketch to the detail & let Laura choose... either way, lessons learned. Nothing is lost, & there is  lots of painting done & lots left to do.... 

This photo shows the "under painting" The dark colors that I apply first & then paint the lighter "dots" over the top. I have now completed a large section of the lower left corner & it is amazing how the colors change.  I'll keep you posted on all the latest details, as I would hate for anyone to loose any sleep over this  hee hee   hee hee