This was a portrait that I started a few months back and didn't quite finish. Well until yesterday, that is! I'm so pleased with myself for finally finishing it. It's hanging happily on my office wall now.
I think the reason it took me so long was because I procrastinated a lot towards the end. I got distracted with other things for a while, then got a little paranoid about screwing things up when working on something I haven't touched for a while. Let me show you what I mean. Here's what it looked like after the first layer:

Pretty scary, eh? I thought so too, but then we're only laying down the groundwork of shapes and shadows. Nevermind the jolie lips. :) Here's what we've got after the second session:

I'm beginning to like this girl. Prim and guarded and intent, she makes me wonder what (or who) it is she's looking at.

Dressed up and adorned with an intricate headress now, her gaze softens and innocence shines through. I fell in love with her look and dared not touch her face for the longest time! Though finally, everyone needs to grow up. She's more matured and confident now, having found her place in the world.

I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did! :)