ART PROCESS

STEP 1: CONCEPTUALIZATION & PRELIMINARIES

The goal of my imagery is to visually interpret and illustrate a story in a way that concisely conveys its vital essence.

When starting an assignment, I thoroughly research every aspect of the subject to determine what the image needs to say to the viewer. Several concerns are raised here such as its mood, focal points, and overall message. From the research proceeds the visual development. Several thumbnails are sketched out to explore the possible compositions, ideas, and symbolism, to cultivate the best solution to the problem. I keep the thumbnails loose and gestural to maintain focus on the story that is being told.

Once a thumbnail harmonizes in concept and aesthetics, a final sketch is derived from it — forms are resolved, lines are tightened, and values are laid where needed.

STEP 2: UNDERPAINTING

After preliminaries are complete, the drawing is scanned, enlarged, and transferred onto watercolor paper for painting. The initial paint washes establish the underpainting where tonal value is blocked in. In this step, attention is brought to the illustration’s tonal range to determine the focal points and the relationship between each section of the ground plane.

STEP 3: CREATING FORM

With the final sketch as a guide, diluted glazes of acrylics and color pencil are applied to solidify the forms. In this particular painting, creating a dream-like undertone is critical. Careful attention is made on the figure’s facial expression and pose to capture its surreal moment within a tangible environment. An appropriate color palette is chosen and details are rendered to yield the end product – an image that succinctly communicates the story in a compelling manner.

STEP 4: FINAL DETAILS

Once the majority of the painting has been established, details are refined and polished. Subtle details bring movement and life to a painting. Since the overall composition is central and somewhat static, the addition of smoke to the chimney helps convey movement and further communicates the painting's narrative to the viewer.

STEP 5: DIGITIZATION

The finished painting is professionally scanned using a state-of-the-art Cruse scanner with little to no loss in details during the digitization procedure. The subtle nuances in the paint pigment and details are flawlessly captured to yield an exceptional reproduction of the original.