A follower asked me if I could show the stages of one of my paintings. Displayed is a piece that I have been commissioned to paint for a woman in Wyoming.
I spend many days researching. I look for reference pictures on the web and at the library.
11" x 14" pencil and pen sketch
After I know how I am going to arrange the composition I spend about 7 minutes sketching out the design. If I am happy with the sketch I use a 5B or 6B graphite drawing pencil and scribble the entire back of the sketch. I then place the sketch with the carbon covered back over my primed panel. I use a ballpoint pen to trace over the sketch, pressing down hard enough for the image to transfer.
11" x 14" acrylic on gessoed panel
Now that the image has been transferred to the primed panel, I color block using thin, transparent layers of acrylic paint. Using bright colors will help the finished painting glow.
11" x 14" acrylic on gessoed panel
I then put the details on the primary area of interest. This allows me to make changes before adding the background and foreground details; see changes to size of bear on the right.
Well, I better get back to work. Have a great day!
Nicole
