still not finished, but decided to post anyhow

I'm still wary of posting stages of a painting, but I've gotten some e-mails from people who find the process interesting, so I'll continue (at least for the time being). The greatest challenge for me in painting is allowing a dialogue and not trying to impose preconceived ideas on the painting surface. I may have an idea, but then I have to let the work flow and be open to new directions, if they should present themselves.
This portrait is still not finished.