Obviously there is no right or wrong way to create art. I am always trying to refine my process so that I can keep or gain detail to my piece while at the same time speed up delivery time on a commission. Here is a peek behind the curtain at this moment in time...
• First I thumbnail out basic concepts. This will lead as a guide for me if a photoshoot is necessary.
• I then stretch the canvas and treat it with multiple layers of gesso, sanding the surface each time until every last crevice is filled. I know I could just use a pre-made art board or masonite but I enjoy the drum-like "thump" I feel when creating.
• Next I draw a detailed image on a sheet of paper matching the desired canvas size. I'm a bit, OCD when it comes to detail. I've tried to "draw" with paint directly on the canvas but it lead to a ridiculous muddied mess for me.
• I then take the detailed sketch and transfer the image on to a stretched canvas. Since the canvas now has very little tooth to it the transfer usually goes quite smoothly.
• After gently touching up the desired details on the canvas I give it a light spray of fixative as to seal it up from the oil paint. (I used to draw directly on the canvas but that became a smeared mess once oil paints came into play)
• I then paint a detailed under painting in violet values. In my mind Violet has a mystical yet royal feel to it. This allows me to manipulate it to my whim in the next stage.
• Finally I gently glaze in the different chroma. Starting off light and the slowly building up to the desired opacity I desire.
In the end I am basically creating the image 3 times in this process. It might be overkill for some but this formula seems to allow me to play with the tones and values on a metric level.
