This set is moving right along, Barley.

You do things a bit differently than I do, but that's going to be normal for all of us, whatever works for us is how it gets done.  If I may make an observation, the one thing that sticks out right away is the amount of paint you have on your brush.   The brush marks are visible, but that's is an easy fix.  I never leach off the oils from my pallet, I use wax paper taped to a card board backing.   So, mine will be thinner going onto the brush anyway, but I basically stain the surface, vs actually painting it.  You will always want to remove any lint or brush marks as soon as you see them.  This will help with the smooth transition between tones and make blending much easier.  Like I said, this is an easy fix, you're doing good, Amigo. 

And you are correct, Barley, there really is no need for a rainbow of colors, just some basic ones, everything else can be made to order.  Keep at it, Ruck On!