and now...

and here's how it looks now. i've painted over the sky section so many times based on the originally concieved (rather born without conception... much like our lord) composition without getting it how i wanted it, i realised that perhaps it was best to start again.
a depressing realisation but a decision which i believe will pay off. the rest of the painting is very much in the closing stages with mostly touch ups left to do. of course i say that now but we all know it will take another month to put it away.

rather than painting straight on to the canvas as is my usual practise, i've actually decided this time (and you're never going to believe this) sketch! a painted sketch of the miserable area at the top in black and white with an altered composition. i need better references than the drawings i'v been working from, so i'll have to make some.... so i'm gonna get back to that right now