Last week I had an opportunity to take a week long workshop with Arthur Egeli, the owner of the gallery I show at.
He started the painting by painting the silhouette  of the model. He painted the whole sum of the girl playing the guitar as one color, compared to the sky. Very much like a mud head. then the colors of her clothes and hair and guitar.
This was most helpful in understanding the great mass, of the figure.

Taking a workshop is very helpful from time to time. I am teaching this coming week in Provincetown. If anyone is interested in taking the workshop their is still room. Contact the Cape School of Art. Capeschoolofart.com for more information you may also email me here directly.