procedure

over the last few days i have been trying several different painting procedures to see which one i handle the best.   here´s the one i think ill settle for.......

1.  lay in a general tone for the light.  this tone should be the average for the tone in the light (not including spectacular highlights) this is important because you need some wiggle room to go lighter and darker later on without encroaching on the spectacular highlights or getting to close to the shadow tone and destroying the feeling of light.  when we say "light" this includes all halftones.  Generally your tonal difference inside the lights is much higher than the tonal range of the shadows. the light tone must be light, to give the appearance of a lit form.... generally this is lighter than a 5 step on the value scale.

2.  Block in your shadows using as simple shapes as possible.  Don´t forget to squint so you won´t confuse any halftone with shadow.

3.  Add temperature changes to the lights. these can also include some of the slight value changes, but be careful not to make the area "spotty". This is also a good time to put in any turning edges and blend them appropriately. 

4.  Check your edges. You should be trying to get your edges right as soon as you lay down a stroke but its good to have time set aside to check anyway in-case you missed any.

5.  Squint down again and look for all of the darker halftones, lay them in in the correct temperature as you go. make sure they don't approach anything near a shadow tone in value.

6.  Add your highlights being careful with the temperature and blend them appropriately.

7.  now add your dark accents and temperature changes to the shadow.  The value in the shadow never changes (you have the shadow tone and the dark accent no more), all shadow form is turned with temperature.