Only myself to blame for this. The painting from day 1 had sunk into the red acrylic layer, I suspect I was too impatient when preparing the board with 3 layers of gesso and not waiting long enough for each layer to dry.
The wife has suggested I prepare the boards well in advance and not just before I need them. This seems to me like an excellent idea.
For my sins, today was like painting with washing up liquid. The paint would not adhere to the surface and any attempt at subtlety was a waste of time. Much unnecessary suffering throughout the day, but actually by the end of it I had somehow improved the painting and the skeleton of a good picture is there.
The photos of this painting are awful. I have tried various lighting situations but to no avail. The reds are brown as are the greens. I think the only solution is to allow it to dry for a couple of days.
Bird in a tree 16. At the end of day 2.