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Chuck,
I'm so glad you are trying this--but you are too timid!
Do you have Photoshop? If so, try darkening the entire photograph. It looks a little bleached out. Darkening it might bring out the color and value of the skin in the light. You might also have an easier time seeing where the highlights are. I think that you will also see how the shadow areas relate to the background.
The hair is another area where the color in shadow still doesn't relate to the background. You could go much deeper with the reddish color--burnt sienna, raw sienna--and add the background color.
Or here's another suggestion: leave this portrait as is, then try taking a reference photo of the girl, or of someone else, using the suggestions on the forum. Post your reference to get the opinion of other artists, and if it seems workable, then go ahead with the painting, and post it step by step in the WIP section. If you seriously want to improve your use of color, light and shadow, there are people here who will help you.
Leaving your present portrait the way it is means you will not overwork it, and you can compare the two when you finish the second one.
You could also go to open studios and paint from life. You would be on your own, but trying to replicate the colors you see in life is also an excellent way to learn.
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