Here is how the 36"X48" painting-in-progress looks as a whole:
...and how it looks when you stand closer:
The following, very close-up details reveal more about the way it was made. In these photos, you can see how the color revealed the texture, the way chalk rubbings reveal a relief.
Here is how the gessoed texture looked before any paint was added:
This set of images shows how the darker areas pick up the texture:
This second set of images shows how the lighter areas pick up the texture. It is a bit subtle in these photos, but more dramatic in person:
I will post more photos as the painting continues. :)