An artwork most often begins with an idea. It is my job as an artist to put that idea into a visual form using methods appropriate to achieve the desired end result. When a client is interested in commissioning a painting we arrange a meeting to discuss the client's idea. There are many things discussed including the size of the painting, where it will be displayed, what materials will be used (i.e. oil vs acrylic paint, cotton canvas vs linen, hardboard or paper, or many other options which will affect the aesthetic quality, durability, and cost of the work) and any preferences such as color or a desired effect. I then prepare quick sketches to determine the most important issues relevant to the client's chosen subject matter. Once I have a composition figured out and agreed upon by the client I begin assembling resources which can be photos provided by the client, photos I shoot, color samples, etc.

The process of creating a painting varies from piece to piece,
but here is a very simplified idea of what the process is like.

I

In the first step I produce an accurate rendering of the subject to be glazed and painted over. This step is sometimes referred to as the underpainting or underdrawing and acts as the foundation of the piece. Sometimes this under layer is less detailed than others, depending on the intricacy of the imagery, some subjects demand less accuracy and can be painted more loosely.

II

The second step entails painting in layers using thinning mediums mixed with oil paint,  introducing color to the work. This is crucial in establishing local color and still allows some of the underpainting to show through.

III

After local color has been put in place I paint with more opaque layers gradually adjusting the image by focusing on several elements including: value, color,  texture, and line quality. Some paintings require several layers of adjustments over the course of many painting sessions in order to achieve the desired effect in a finished product.