December Artmakings

This December there were several commissions to finish and new prints to send out. Portraits, prints and original paintings were being shipped, picked up, and delivered daily. I am so grateful for the support of my small business. It has really been a great year!

my first round of giclee prints

ready for delivery

the wonderful  Dr. Pepper, for Macy. Water color. 18x24.

The process for completing a portrait like this is very methodical and technical. Here is how I go about getting it done:

 the drawing might be the most important step. Without a good drawing there is no possible way to get  a likeness (for me). This takes a great deal of concentration.

 Then I block in the darkest shadows with a light wash

 I create surface details in very small sections, otherwise it can get overwhelming. Not everyone would do it this way, but it is the best way for me. In this case I had a very high resolution image to work from, so I was able to zoom in and really capture minute details (thank you photographer Mike!)

This is my set up of materials. Paint and water are always as close to my hand as possible.

I build color using many layers of transparent paint so that the image never looks too heavy or wooden.

 The last step is a light background wash. I like to keep it very simple so that the subject has nothing to compete with in the background.

And the very final step is delivery! I wrap up the painting and drive it to its new home.