Sculpting Diaries ~ thoughts anyone?

I cannot express how much I have enjoyed learning to sculpt. 

My passion is painting and I do believe it will always be but this new thing with clay and hours of just moving and playing and seeing and creating... It's like a deep massage to the brain. A slow dance to my senses. 

I am truly enjoying it.

I am just going to record some of my challenges and also a list of supplies that I have found invaluable for this journey.

Of course, as I become more than just a 4-year-old playing in my mother's makeup drawer, my supplies and needs and challenges may change... but for now, the newbie, I will tell you what I find important.

So let's talk supplies:
clay~ i am using super sculpey in beige.  Here in Canada at Micheals it is around $26.00CDN for a 1 lb bar. OUCH. I am now buying it from Machphersons Craft Store. Much cheaper and it arrives at my door in 2 days.
https://macphersoncrafts.com/

foil~ tin foil from the dollar store to make your armature in. Easy peezy, lemon squeezy.

stand~ i got my hubby to make me one and then I decoupaged it. But then I picked up another one for my mini at Pat Moulton's store and made it personal.
I'll add a picture when I can.
tools~ so far I use my rubber tipped tools the most. If you can get them in various sizes, that is best. I was gifted my tools from my dear friend and the most incredible sculptor,  Jennie Lee (yep i am bragging a little)...

Machpherson's sell this set but it comes in only the one size. Still a must
https://macphersoncrafts.com/en/online-store/sculpting/sculpting-tools

At this point, I haven't needed much else... but I am certain I will. I've only worked on 3 heads (unfinished 3 heads, lol)

Challenges as a Newbie

I have been taught to look at photos for reference. Study them. Look at them more than the clay. What I find difficult is they are only 2 dimensional. I cant see how much a nose protrudes from a cheek. Or how deep a chin goes in from a mouth.

I find it difficult to add more clay to make something more round or 'fatter' without just rolling it flat again. I haven't figured out how to move the clay so that it looks like a roll. I add clay, try to smooth it in and just make the spot look rather scratchy and mangled... the hardest part of it all to me.

oh and smoothing. No clue how to get my clay part smooth.

So if anyone has any advice for me, I would LOVE to hear it. I take criticism with a solution well, in fact, thrive on it when it comes to learning new things.
please, your thoughts and ideas are welcome