She Is One TOUGH Woman ... or ... A Portrait of My Riding Instructor

My trainer, Rhonda - sweet, kind to the animals, an excellent instructor, and tough when the situation calls for it. I've always admired her coloring. She looks so "peaches-and-cream" healthy all the time.

My sketch

1st very thin glaze of quin. burnt orange

A grey glaze for the shadows

Flesh color over face and neck
Looking very weird at this stage

Some local color, and 1st glaze for the eyes

More local color, and starting the lips

Rhonda has been invaluable to my horsey life. She found Bruno for me. She referred me to Andy, the great hay supplier. She has been a help with training and health issues with the horses. And she is just an all-round good, up-beat person.
I first met her about 8 years ago, working in a dental office in Langley; she was a patient. Then, a few years after that, I was having problems with a young thoroughbred I had, and she came to help in his training. The horse did not straighten out, and I gave him back to the rescue group from which I had acquired him, but I stayed with Rhonda as a trainer. Yes, I basically ride dressage, and she is a hunter/jumper rider, but her knowledge is great, and her attitude is fabulous. As long as I have been painting with portraits, I have wanted to paint her. Her coloring is enviable - all year round. So here is the start of my 1st attempt ...

As always, your comments are most welcome!