[Jimmie Arroyo]

Hi Pat,

This is coming out great! I don't see an issue with the ear, but you should ask before deciding to eliminate it. I would leave it in assuming it was part of the lady's character. It looks like it would have always been poking out.

I would leave a medium tone near the highlights in the hair. Have it go dark, then use your judgement with lightening it as it goes near the highlight.

If you don't mind, here are three examples from the same drawing of a girl with black hair. You can see a mid-tone before the highlights in the top of the head one. The second is mostly mid and dark, and the third shows a path of where I would put highlights if it were needed and not clear in the reference. You may already be using one, but I get the the brightest parts with a kneaded eraser that I shape so it has a edge, then lightly drag it along. Hope it helps, and I apologize if I'm telling you stuff you already know.

I'll be waiting for the finish. Good luck.