Sandalphon, Light in the Valley of Death - (Detail Phase) (Patreon)

This shot here is where this painting finally found its legs. Whew!

It's scary to not not have a piece grounded. Once a foundation has finally been laid though, the most intensive part of the work is always just ahead. Thousands upon thousands of tiny brush strokes, adjustments and a million little opportunities to stray off track.

Keeping a clear vision for how a painting is finished feels like a very specialized skill. Part of it is remembering what you are trying to do, days or weeks after the idea popped into your head. The other part is comparing the rough version of the painting to references to get new perspective on what still needs to happen.

I see a lot of artists lose confidence at this point in the painting process because it can often be very uncomfortable to stick with a creative project long after the inspiration has faded and the tedium sets in. The Germans have a word for this called "sitzfleisch". Literally translating to "sitting flesh" in English. Informally, it refers to one's ability to sit still and focus.