Painting Progression: Elizabeth

After starting with a series of studies to work out the light and dark areas of the painting, I was ready to transfer the image to canvas. The sketches also help me to think about composition. Extra care taken during this phase helps with proportions and to create a correct likeness of the subject for the finished canvas. Extra care was especially given to the eyes and smile to convey the personality of my model and her obvious attempt to stifle a laugh.

Elizabeth Painting Progression.jpg
Laid in initial paint in face and the beginnings of shadow and highlight. Many layers to come.

Laid in initial paint in face and the beginnings of shadow and highlight. Many layers to come.

Laid in the dark areas of the painting and the rest of the skin tones. Worked very different with this third portrait of the family since I usually start with an underpainting of a wash composed of brown and navy mixed. I also usually complete most …

Laid in the dark areas of the painting and the rest of the skin tones. Worked very different with this third portrait of the family since I usually start with an underpainting of a wash composed of brown and navy mixed. I also usually complete most of the background before working on the figure. Pros and cons to both techniques but I believe I prefer the former because of the charcoal absorbed by the paint. Had to add several extra layers to compensate.

Almost finish. Just a few minor adjustments and  background layers to finish up and then I will be ready to varnish. So much fun!

Almost finish. Just a few minor adjustments and background layers to finish up and then I will be ready to varnish. So much fun!

Painting Progression Reflected Building

Are you ever intrigued by the distortions created in the reflections of the glass of a building? This painting is a starting point and will develop as I explore the shapes and swirls in the reflections.

Reflections.jpg
So easy to get lost in all the shapes created by the distortions in the building. Have to pull back for awhile and revisit the overall flow and how this painting will finish.

So easy to get lost in all the shapes created by the distortions in the building. Have to pull back for awhile and revisit the overall flow and how this painting will finish.

I have been negligent at posting progressions. But now, I am finished after a long absence. Very tedious, but fufilling like finishing a puzzle.

I have been negligent at posting progressions. But now, I am finished after a long absence. Very tedious, but fufilling like finishing a puzzle.

Painting Progression: Forgotten Tennessee

Started new painting so I decided to share my progression. This is from a photo from very talented photographer Jerry Winnett.

Forgotten Tennessee 1.jpg
After sketching design on canvas, started underpainting to establish composition and values. Next, modeling paste will be added to add texture to elements in the foreground

After sketching design on canvas, started underpainting to establish composition and values. Next, modeling paste will be added to add texture to elements in the foreground

Applied first layer of modeling paste. See you tomorrow!

Applied first layer of modeling paste. See you tomorrow!

Started adding paint over the modeling paste. Switched the windows from what is in the photo to change the focal point.

Started adding paint over the modeling paste. Switched the windows from what is in the photo to change the focal point.

Painting Progression Continues….covering all the modeling paste with base color. Will continue to add layers of paint after this process.

Painting Progression Continues….covering all the modeling paste with base color. Will continue to add layers of paint after this process.

Forgotten Tennessee1.gif