Just a note.

4 months and the oil painting is finished.

Enjoy,

Painter

What's on my easel?

Here are the initial stages of an oil painting that was begin July 2010.
A CONCEPT
Here is an idea I started playing with several years ago and then put away. It's about a high light coming through a window and a situation that yet is to be resolved.
THE CARTOON
The next stage is a full size cartoon that works out the piece. This stage done on tracing paper and works out details. For example the figure is in a setting and there are some difficult perspective issues that have to be worked out.
THE TRANSFER
The cartoon is transferred to a prepared canvas. (I use 2 coats of acrylic gesso and sand each coat). I transfer by rubbing charcoal over the back of the thin tracing paper and taping it into position on the canvas. I often use a larger canvas than the initial idea in case the painting goes where I hadn't planned. I then use a 5H pencil and a stylus and go over the figure etc on the cartoon. This roughly transfers the design to the canvas.
THE DRAWING ON CANVAS.
This is where I am at this point. I redraw very carefully the figure an other major elements. I use prismacolor with a very sharp points. This drawing is done to establish tones and lines (not color). I use prsimacolor because it doesn't bleed through the oil paint like graphite pencil does. (Never use graphite pencil as an underdrawing on an oil). I don't use charcoal because I like a tighter line than most charcoal provides.
After this drawing is done I'll fix it and move to an isolating varnish step--more on that in later posts.
IMPORTANT: click on images to enlarge.

One, two, three

Here are 3 levels in the development of a recent oil painting.
Level one: prisma-color on canvas.
Level two; oil on canvas underpainting.
Level three: finished oil with multiple layers of glazes and scumbles.

If you have specific questions, please ask and I'll be happy to discuss in depth.
Click on image to enlarge.

Cheers,
Painter

P.S. All images are copyrighted (all rights reserved) Prints are available (just ask).

Mermaid oil on canvas painted 2009