The Evolution of a Painting

One of the first things that people say when they see my paintings is, "How do you do that?" Well, I truly believe that it's about 90% technique and 10% talent combined with a true passion about the process...well, at least most of the process. So I thought I would share with you the evolution of a painting.

Step One is to choose a subject that you absolutely love. Why? Because you will be stuck with it for many weeks or even months. Ok, "stuck" may not be the best word however, like your children, your paintings occasionally go through some "growing pains" so you better love them right from the start cause they can make you question your abilities (as a parent and/or as an artist)! For this painting I chose a wonderful couple who were gracious enough to invite us to their wedding in Punta Cana in January 2009. It was a simple, fun, touching, beautiful ceremony and a terrific vacation. Two days after the wedding a group of us convinced the newlyweds to get dressed up once again in their wedding attire and go for a "trash the dress" photo session on the beach. We had a blast and I managed to get a couple of really nice pics. This painting is a recreation of one of those pictures.

Once the subject has been chosen, I decide what size canvas I feel would be appropriate. I chose a 16 X 20 canvas which is a pretty standard size, not too big and not too small. I then draw the picture using a grid method to ensure that I have the appropriate perpective and proportions. This is the part that I like the least but it's one of the most important steps. It's so difficult to correct errors, add or delete here and there as you paint so I take my time and try to be as accurate as possible. Then the fun begins. I start with a monochromatic underpainting. This technique was used by the Old Masters such as DaVinci, Rembrandt and many others. So I'm thinking they must have known what they were doing! The colors chosen for this painting are black, grey and white. I block in shadows and highlights and some detail but most of the "nitty gritty" details will be done in future layers.

I'll keep you posted on the next steps soon! I hope you enjoy and don't be shy....post a comment or two =D

Break Time

So here it is in full color and framed. I really enjoyed capturing all of the different textures in this scene, from frigid water, to well worn boat, to all of the different stones on the walls and the path. To me it really feels like a sunny Sunday afternoon and the artist has just stepped away to get a mochaccino and a biscotti.

Break Time Torrit Grey

Here is my entry to the 2009 Gamblin Torrit Grey Competition. Entries must be painted using only black, white and the Gamblin Colors Torrit Grey. I found this composition interesting mainly for the "painting within a painting" aspect of it. I also had quite a time creating the stone pavement. I wanted to be sure to accurately represent the "roughness" of the path. Please visit the Gamblin website for more details about the Torrit Grey Competition as well as to view some amazing artwork.
http://www.gamblincolors.com/torrit.grey/index.html

African Son

I have always dreamed of going to Africa. As a child, I wanted to see the wild elephants and lions and zebras. As a teen, I wanted to go on safari. As an adult, I want to learn more about the different cultures, get to know some of the people, experience their way of life. When a photographer friend of Laura's brought home some pictures of her trip I jumped on the album to see what I could find. I absolutely, head over heels, fell in love with this amazing little boy. His eyes kept staring at me as if to say, "Go ahead, I dare you to try to paint me!" I had so much fun painting him. His smile is infectious, his eyes are teasing and you can tell that he his absolutely and genuinely happy! He has stolen my heart just like when your own child is born and that is why this painting is called "African Son".

Spring Tulips

The inspiration for this painting is once again from my good friend Sonya Ann. Her thumb is brilliant green compared to my muddy brown one and has a way of capturing amazing color and light with her camera. So once again I went about the task of trying to portray these tulips as brightly as I could. I also had a great time with the vase and getting just the right colors and texture to show the stems in the water. It was really fun to do! Can't wait to see what wonderful pics my friend will take this summer!!