Still having Trouble

This is so much harder than I ever imagined.  The face is still hard to get right; as evidence by picture three I sanded the face again.  I almost gave up, it just looks poorly done and my efforts are not represented in the outcome.  I am still working on the acrylic piece at the same time, hoping that will come out a little better.

I also decided to forgo the gilding.  Cost and the fact that I am dissatisfied with my piece thus far have me questioning the expense of the the gold gilt.  Instead, I opted to paint the background gold.