Every line has to come from somewhere and go somewhere. This requires carving, or pushing paint around. It is impossible to be perfect, but with time and layers, it is possible to create an illusion.
Choose a line that matters. I chose the under the tail line pictured below.
Paint it
Take another brush and either with terpenoid or paint, chisel it over to be a better representation of what you see.
Notice if the line changes color as it bends.
Make it so.
Here’s my in-progress pictures:
This was Day 2. It was a 5 day painting.
Day 3 Daphne
The flowers are super hard. I’m looking at fake flowers that are neon magenta. Wish me luck. I might have to gesso and then use acrylics if that works.
Day 4 Lincoln
This is Odell and I’m painting this for his grandchildren to inherit. Love!