These were the steps I took to create my GCSE mock exam final piece. More info is on the description of the final.
I started with no outline because I find it easier starting off pieces with blocks of colour and then just adding more detail as I go. My initial idea was to have her chest dripping down, but I really didn't like how it was looking, so I changed it to a more smudged look - I didn't like this either. The black and white version of it was so I could constantly be checking my values (light and dark) for further accuracy. I did this on an extra layer filled in black on the blending option 'Colour' and hid the layer whilst painting, and un-hid it every now and then to check my lighting and contrast.
I learnt a lot while painting this, including that even if you think you're not getting any better, don't give up or lose heart - it just takes time to notice your improvements until you think 'Hey, I'm actually getting better at this!'. Learn not to compare yourself to others, but to... (Read the rest at: Magic? Mock Exam Final Piece GCSE Art )