"Chiaroscuro" Painting Process

This has been my painting process for the last 5 years and I thought it would be helpful to share it.

The most important step of starting any painting is taking some reference photos. I took about 100 photos for this piece so that I had different options/angles to pick from. This also helped to create some different variations in the folds of the drapery.

One of the most efficient ways to start a painting is using the grid method. I make an image that is the size of the canvas in inches. I used a 2’x3’ canvas, therefore my photo size was 24”x36”. I make a 3"x3" grid on the image in Photoshop that can be transferred onto the canvas.

I always paint on black canvases because it is easier for me to see the contrast, which is a major element found in my work. I will then draw the grid and sketch in white colored pencil.

With the sketch I try to block in the main shapes and major color variations.

To begin painting, I always start with the face of the figure. In this case I started with the female model and began blocking in colors that slowly built up the form. Once I had the main colors in, I would carefully blend them together making small adjustments along the way.

I continued this process throughout the painting, switching up where I was working so I wouldn’t get too bored working on the same spot.

Slowly as the painting built up, I would go back to areas that were dry and added more bright whites. I also glazed over some areas with more color.

Here you can more clearly see the preliminary sketch.

Once the figures and drapery were completed, I covered the remaining exposed canvas with black acrylic gesso. In the empty space of the background I mixed a deep red glaze to add a smokey effect in the background (which unfortunately did not get represented well in these photos).

After the painting has been dry for a few days, I spray a clear coat to protect the painting.