I can't believe that I am almost there! Usually, I tend to want to work on the main subjects of a painting first and then work on the background/foreground. Many times, I get bored after I completed the animals and want to quit (like what happened with my cow moose pastel) and work on something else. I'm glad I approached this piece as I did, working rather methodically by filling the "canvas" area. Of the whole painting, it is the dried up dead leaves on the ground that is taking me the longest to complete.
Thanks to all who patiently read and comment on my many updates of the squirrel portrait. I feel the end is finally near...