[Woodcarver] Painting

[larry harrell]

I have been carving for about 18 months now. Most of my carvings have 
been natural finishes.
I recently carved a wizard with a diamond willow walking stick which i 
have placed on the top of a diamond willow walking stick.
It cries out to be painted. My question is, do I begin the process at 
the deepest or the shallowest part of the carving. I realize it is 
probably a matter of personal preference, but your experience would most 
probably save me some grief.
Thank you for your site and the great information and education I am 
able to glean from it.
                                                                        
                        Larry