Painting a Carpet Kitten

I often laugh and say  to myself "I paint funny", when I start a new painting, like the kitten portrait below. 
 
I had an idea for  a mostly white kitten from a photo I'd selected. She also lay on a pale carpet

So what did I do?

I looked for any hint of color in the otherwise white presentation.  It's funny that I paint those colors very dark at first, only to lighten them up after.

I do this, to the best I can figure out, for 2 reasons.
First I learned to paint in oils. That process involved starting with dark colors and layering on lighter and lighter colors to develop the subject. So I just continue to paint that way using acrylics.
Second I discovered  I paint more freely this way and don't get bogged down with the details.
​Below you can see 3 steps in my process.

Step # 1 Block in Background

Step #2 Block in Subject

3rd Lighten & Darken

For this kitten portrait, to begin I sketch-painted the subject, and indicated the background and foreground.

During the 2nd step, I applied darker values of the color  in the subject and surroundings. In the 3rd step I add white or light colors to brighten the light areas. I also add dark colors to enhance those areas that need to appear darker. This brings the subject 'to life'.

Each step may take a couple of hours or may be spread over a few days.

I painted this one over a few days.  However, I like to let a painting 'sit' on my art room wall for a while to see how I feel about it. Sometimes I work on it later if I find it needs some finishing touches.
​Finally, when I am satisfied, I sign the painting. 

What do you think of this portrait? Would you paint her differently or use a different process? 
Tell me in the comments below. It's fun to swap ideas. 
​
Hugs and Blessings
Susie
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4th.. Complete the details and sign the painting.