Lost, but still not found

A difficult painting this time. I worked a long time on this painting (made after a live model).
It all had to do with Terry Miura's "lost and found" technique: how far can you go with melting the background into the subject, without losing it's form and meaning. And then bring an accent into the game, like a focal point or light spot.
I was not content with the bottom version, the result after 2 live model sessions. So I reworked it towards the top one. But I am not sure it became better.
If anyone could offer some advice?