White Swan

I actually started this one a week or so ago, and have been picking at it since then. I feel like it's got to an ok stage so I'm going to stop busting my ass over it.

My big issue is I like to be able to see paint strokes but at the same time like it to look finished. I can never quite find a happy balance, I need to work out/learn a technique.

Because I was painting on one layer I started making copies at various intervals in case I properly cocked it up and couldn't get back to where I was before. Thought you might find it interesting and maybe have some tips for me. I do use levels, warp and hue/saturation to correct my work occasionally. Maybe I shouldn't?