Helena and what I've learned.

 This isn't the first time I've made an art doll. But it is the first time I've put so much effort into it. Her name is Helena.

 (Apologies for the dodgy phone photos; I don't have a camera.)

What I've learned: Smoothing the clay before baking. Important. The pictures don't show it, but her skin texture is a little on the rough side. It also makes the paint go on better.

Going to try mixing a little flow medium in with the paints next time, as well. Wasn't entirely impressed with my brushwork here, especially on the eyebrows.

Need a better method of applying hair. This doesn't look too bad, but I'm not satisfied with the results.

Also need a better method of sculpting hands.  Helena does not have pretty hands. They may also be somewhat disproportionate.

I tried to make a lantern out of jewellery wire for her to be holding. After several tiny puncture wounds to my fingers and lots of swearing, I gave up. Couldn't get one made of Sculpy to work, either. May return to it in future.