Head of a Young Woman with Tousled Hair (Leda)

Prepare a toned canvas with a warm brown base.

Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the head, hair, and shoulders using charcoal or a light wash.

Begin blocking in the darkest values with a thin mixture of burnt umber and a touch of black.

Gradually build up the mid-tones using mixtures of burnt umber, raw sienna, and white.

Focus on creating smooth transitions between light and shadow, especially on the face.

Add subtle highlights to the face and hair using a lighter mixture of white and raw sienna.

Refine the details of the eyes, nose, and mouth, paying close attention to the subtle curves and contours.

Soften edges and blend transitions to create a sfumato effect.