My process

I keep a sketchbook and often revisit pages to choose one drawing that sparks a concept. With this sketch, I tried different crops and compositions in ‘thumbnail’ size sketches, while pushing the contrast, and noticing the lightest and darkest areas. I explore color combinations with three acrylic primary colors, white and black for easy mixing and quick drying. In this color study I chose a split complementary of violet, yellow-green and yellow orange. By using shades or tints of a limited set of colors, the painting is more unified and creates vibrant contrasts that make the focal points pop.

Client consultation of initial sketch ideas is an important part of the process. The figures in the paintings convey emotions through gesture, natural and symbolic elements to be discussed before taking photo reference of poses.

When taking the final to canvas, I project the sketch onto a toned canvas, or I draw directly onto the surface with charcoal which allows more fluidity. After drawing, I seal the sketch and start mixing and testing colors on a sheet from a canvas pad. So many changes happen in translating a linear sketch to shapes and color. But often an initial sketch idea can carry the idea all the way through to the finished painting.