How do you make a hole in a clipping mask?

[r95nanda]

I need to make a hole in a clipping mask. Here's an image of what needs to be done:

The image, outlined in red, has been created using a clipping mask, and the the white part between the ladys'(?) arm and the grass is what needs to be transparent.

Basically, the white parts are a part of the clipping mask, and I need to make them transparent. How do I do this?

Thanks!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Release the mask. Then create a compound path out of the outer path and the hole. Reapply this as a clipping mask.

[r95nanda]

Thanks a ton, that did it! Here's the end result:

Do you happen to have any advice that may help an illustrator novice? Anything that would make the image look better or more engaging?

Thanks again for your help!

[Clo Bo]

Hey, I know how to use compound path but I don't know what the answer means but 'outer path and hole' so instead I just made a shape to fill the hole with the pencil tool and filled it with the same colour as the background...

[Doug A Roberts]

In the OP's example, the outline of the entire image is the 'outer path'. The white parts where the figure's arm position creates negative space are the 'holes'.

[Clo Bo]

Thanks alot!

[Kurt Gold]

Use a compound path to create the clipping group (and don't forget to include the second white part next to the stem).