Step One: Ideas
Choose an Idea that speaks to me in that moment. Usually I think of a specific animal or a "type of ocean" like deep blue, surface, half and half etc.
Step Two: Sketching
Sketch out my main subject and any major shapes included in the reference photo. I DO NOT trace! All art is drawn freehand.
I use one or more reference photos taken by a photographer to do my art. Sometimes mixing multiple reference photos helps me to create exactly what I'm looking for!
Step Three: Underpainting
Create my "underpainting". This is basically a rough draft of shapes and colors that will help bring my piece to life. I start with my lightest possible colors in my reference photo and layer to make it darker.
Step Four: Layering
At this point, I slowly start to layer each color by going one at a time getting darker. I do this until my darkest colors have been used. This helps to create depth and the large variety of colors used in my art. This can also help with realism!
Step Five: Finishing Touches
The last step in my process is to add any highlights with a bright white/yellow and add any last minute details with a very small brush.
Step Six: Shipping to You!
When you order one of my paintings, I place an order to my local framing shop and the art is printed on a beautiful canvas or wall art style of your choice. It is then shipped directly to you!