Voicemail #16: Q&A - How to start a project (Patreon)

Hello Beastlings!

Here is another Voicemail Q&A. Enjoy!

Here's an example to illustrate my point. I can't believe I painted this probably 15 years ago!

Here's how I approached this group portrait:

First, I went out and took a bunch of reference photos of windows, columns, draped fabric, etc. I also printed out reference photos of each subject. I didn't have a phone yet and smartphones didn't exist yet so I believe I took the photos on my family's old analog Nikon. I also used photos from a photoshoot. I almost NEVER used reference photos before this and painted completely from imagination.

Second, I laid out a basic sketch (sketching has always been my least favourite part, I always rush it) for the composition. I am proud to say I have improved since then and I would compose differently now. I did a base of black gesso, then a thin coat of clear gesso. While the clear gesso was still wet I laid down deep jewel tones in oil paint. They were almost invisible but I blended them across the canvas with a broad brush. 

Third, while the base was still wet, I threw down streaks of white oil paint with a fan brush, really loosely letting the brush flip and twirl across the surface of the canvas. Then I blended those streaks with a dry brush and the white started to highlight the deep colours below.

Then, I approached one subject at a time with acrylic paint to complete the painting. I was nervous about using oil and acrylic on the same canvas. Once I was satisfied with the overall look, I went over the entire canvas to harmonize it a bit; highlights with the same colours across all elements; a bit of impasto painting on the lower third.

I love asymmetric compositions and bright colours and I am still happy with this piece, but I know I would do a few things differently now and that's what is so awesome about personal growth! I rarely sell the originals, I usually keep them or give them as gifts, but this piece sold on ebay to someone in Japan a few years ago, I don't have it any more. 

Do you have some projects you can look back on and fondly notice your improvements since then? I think it is fantastic! Any song, painting, photograph, etc is just a snapshot in time. It represents your thoughts and skills of the time. Of course you will get better with experience, but that doesn't make earlier pieces any less awesome! Many would argue that the early works of artists are the best work; there is a naive charisma there sometimes.

Thanks everyone! Have a good one!

p.s. I know my voice sounds insane - I have been talking and singing a LOT and I am just being quiet on purpose to rest it a bit :)


~AWG