Catching up

Developing my process

Although many years of 9 to 5s have passed away from the studio, now that I’ve retired and am back in the studio on the regular, I can tell that my eye has matured. That’s good, but the physical side, sketching the composition and applying paint, has some catching up to do. I’ve opted to divide my studio days into morning practice and afternoon work.

Mornings in the studio

The morning block is for quick studies and trying out new things, practicing, and experimenting, if you will. This practice should help me hurry along the emergence of my mature style and method. Most recently, I’ve finished a small composition called Green Wings. It fits nicely in with my bug series.

Next up is a quick study of a group of dahlias that I’ll likely complete tomorrow. The first image shows the acrylic wash “sketching“ I start with using the opposite color to what will finally be applied. This process shows composition errors, provides depth, and adds excitement when a bit of the color shows through the final application.

The second image reveals the actual colors laid down to refine the subject and reveal the color combination. All that’s left is to add details and then call it done. I’ll update this post and add the final image soon, so stop back by to see the completed dahlias!

As promised, it’s two days later, and I’m adding the final version.

Afternoon in the studio

In the afternoon block, I plan to work on my larger pieces, portraits, statements, and commissions. Currently, two pieces have my focus. First is a study of the varying color of eggshells in contrast to the uniformity of the yolks within. I started with an acrylic wash for sketching and then began applying the color. It looks quite odd at this point, as actual colors are not yet in place, but here’s the start:

I’ve also got a portrait going. After creating a grid on my reference photo and then on the canvas, I used the acrylic wash method to sketch out the composition first. That is what you see in the first image. Next, I begin blocking out the color of the background, then add tree limb details. It will be a building process.

Here’s hoping I can capture Wesley’s exuberant personality. More to come!