Brushworks on Bat-eared Foxy Lady

I am working on the brush block-ins and have a dilemma about the fur color - grey or yellow... i'll post the progress as i go:

Experimenting with another brush.

Another experiment with same brush, more simplified.

Meanwhile, the painting progression with Carlson brush...

Updating progress...

Done for now.

Ooops! Forgot the head values.

Some more feedback:

Painting technique study

Still have to work at it, even though i feel some improvement in values awareness. Next i'll move to the brush strokes:

Some notes: I feel the face should have more contrast.

 like that.

 Here is the contrast situation with color

 Just the face.

 All this because i found another reference on the internet and that one seems more contrasty and also has more values and color range.

Placement, values and light study

I am studying the scene considering objects and figure placement. Then i observed the light, shadow, cast shadow and how it influences color values:

Figure construction

Looking for proportion and form as i sketch, slowing down and repeating again and again. I think of it backwards.

Studying the Subject - there is a story everywhere

I know, i have this problem with impatience. So, first it's "improvising time" as usual...

 Even the fox looks at me, as if i didn't know what i am doing ( xD), but i'm learning (again)...

 Second sketch thinking "values".

 third sketch thinking "planes".

 Fourth sketch thinking "O=*"

 Another try...

 An attempt at stylization (not that i know about it)... i think it has to do with simplification, right?

 Now i figure out: - 'till here, it was really just "warming up". Okay, now again, step by step...

Alright. Going for the actual drawing to integrate in the painting.

 Redo...

 I though it could be fun to use the same hair style

 Maybe not.
A little glimpse at colors.

Redo, for the lasso+gradient approach.

 There is something wrong with the left ear, and the face.

 Subtle but i like it more now.

So, time to stop, and think about it all. What have i learned so far? Let me put it this way instead - What did i miss the opportunity to learn, just by not taking the time/slowing down, shut down my mind and, only watch.

I am looking at the fox and already get to a conclusion - if it was a character for a story, i'd put her in the bad guys category, because i can only recognize triangular shapes all over the place.

 I have a look at the darker parts of the subject (focusing on contrast)

Just for that perception, it was worth it, so far. I like what i am learning.