HOW do you DO that?
“How you do anything is how you do everything”
~ Martha Beck
I regularly get asked about my process. HOW I go about creating a painting and how long it takes. While the process for each piece is crafted to meet the needs and requirements of that piece, there are commonalities to the process I follow each time. The big 30 x 42 inch piece shown above is a good example.
The client asked me to create a large custom piece for her. While sometimes I am asked to work from a particular reference photo or subject this one was a bit more loose. Her only criterion? The scene should have something to do with the lake and be sized for a custom mount using an antique historic window from her renovated office building.
Step 1: Conceptualizing the Design
First, I sat down and did some brainstorming. I created a series of 12 possible concepts for what the painting might be. On each, I marked the mullion lines from the window behind which it would be mounted. From these, I chose what I felt were my three strongest options.
Step 2: Small Color Studies
Using those three sketches and some generic photo reference scenes as a loose guide, I moved on to create three small quick paintings on flat canvas. I call these color studies. They help me work out the colors and values (how dark and light things are) in a low-risk quick piece. Sometimes these work out well enough to turn into a standalone small piece later and sometimes I just consider them practice. Once complete, I shared the color studies with the client and got her feedback on what she preferred.
Step 3: Preparing the Surface
While working out the concept, it is also necessary to prepare the painting surface. Depending on the piece, this might be a stretched canvas that needs priming or a wood panel that needs sanding. In this case, because the piece is an unusual size and needs a unique mounting solution when finished, the surface needed to be a wood panel. A birch panel, cut to size, had to be sanded, sealed, and given multiple coats of gesso (an artist primer layer) and sanded between each layer.
Step 4: Initial Sketch on Panel
Once the client and I agree on the concept and colors, and the surface is ready, I can begin working on the actual artwork by putting an initial sketch of the composition onto the surface. I used a watercolor pencil (easy to erase and adjust the drawing if needed) to lay an initial sketch onto the surface and then used a single color to lay down the darks and lights and set my drawing.
Step 5: Paint!
Now for the exciting part - color goes on in stages. Layering colors allows me to build depth and variety throughout the piece. It gets applied in multiple passes with plenty of the lower layers exposed throughout to allow them to shine through and marry the colors applied in later stages. A piece can take me anywhere from 4 to 40 hours depending on its size and the complexity of the image.
Step 6: Protect
Once the painting is complete and approved by the client, it needs to have some time to itself so the paint can dry. Oils typically take up to two weeks (and sometimes much longer) to dry. Once it has a dry surface layer, it is important to protect it with a clear varnish layer. This helps keep dust and other environmental issues from damaging the paint layer and gives it a bit of UV protection. (For more information on how to protect and care for your paintings, get a free copy of my Caring for Your Artwork Guide.)
Step 7: Frame
Generally, I frame my own work. I enjoy the process. Fortunately, for instances where I don't have the time or tools to do something special in framing a piece, I also have a local framer that is my go-to for making a special piece look great. In this instance, the client had a wonderful vision for the unique presentation she had in mind. The piece will be mounted to the back of an antique window from her renovated offices and then hung on a wall - as if you are looking through the window. Such a fun idea! This custom mounting job will be handled by the pros at Palmetto Fine Arts. Here is an idea of how it will look once mounted.
Step 8: Record
An important final step is keeping good records. For all my artwork, I record images of the piece as it is in process as well as images of the completed work. Also, I track details such as size, materials used, dates started and finished. All this info helps me better understand my work and how to plan and price accordingly.
Step 9: Delivery
The final fun step is getting the artwork into the hands of the buyer. It is so rewarding to see their reactions and appreciation!
Interested in commissioning a custom creation for yourself or to give as a gift? Just let me know and we can figure out something special just for you.
I am happy to share that after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, I set aside a portion of my October sales to provide disaster relief. Using those funds, I was able to donate $500 to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Helene in the Asheville area.
If you would also like to make a donation to support creatives in WNC impacted by Hurricane Helene, you can donate directly to ArtsAVL to support emergency grants to WNC artists.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my posts. I appreciate your continued support of my art journey!
Until next time,
Barbara
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