Behind the Scenes: My Custom Art Process & Tips
Ever wondered what goes into a custom painting? Here is a peek behind my canvas—from the messy studio hacks to how I turn your stories into art.
Here is an artist hack I wish someone had told me earlier. To prevent paper tape from tearing your drawing sheet, stick it to your clothes first to reduce the glue's strength. It's a simple trick that saves your artwork.
To create a great oil portrait, I always start by planning the composition and gathering good photo references. I focus on getting the likeness right with a detailed drawing before I even start painting.
As an artist, I have to be versatile. This video shows a glimpse of the different art styles I work in, from colorful oil paintings and detailed charcoal sketches to quick pen drawings.
It took me over 10 years of practice to reach this level of skill in my oil paintings. Every artist goes through a long journey of struggle and learning, and this is a small look at mine.
A quick look at my workspace as I switch between two different oil painting commissions. I love having multiple projects going at once, as each one presents its own unique challenges and joys.
About The Creative Process & Tips
A common question I get is how to prep paper for a charcoal sketch without ripping it. My secret is simple: stick the paper tape to your clothes first to remove some of the glue. It is a small, honest hack that saves hours of frustration. That is the kind of practical approach I bring to every commission—whether I am painting a wedding canvas or a digital portrait.
People often ask if art needs to be perfect. My answer is always no. Art is about capturing the truth, whether that is the emotion in a grandfather's eyes or the specific vibe of a wedding function.
When you commission a piece, we do not just jump to paint. Here is how I work:
1. Understanding the Story
Whether it is a digital caricature or an oil-on-canvas portrait, I need to know your why. Is this a gift? A wedding welcome sign? Once I understand the emotional goal, I can guide the composition and lighting to match.
2. The Reference Phase
I love a challenge. Have a blurry photo? Do not worry. I have spent 15 years learning how to reconstruct expressions. I focus on facial proportions and lighting to ensure the likeness is accurate before I even pick up a brush.
3. The Medium Matters
- Oil Paintings: These are for the long haul. I use high-quality, primed canvas and seal everything with varnish so your memory lasts for generations.
- Charcoal & Pencil: These focus on raw emotion. The interplay of light and shadow here is intense, and I use specific paper-handling hacks to keep the texture clean.
- Digital: Perfect for invites. I blend your poses and outfits with a modern, clean aesthetic, delivered in high resolution for any print need.
4. The Jugaad Factor
If you have last-minute requests, I adapt. I do not use templates. Every single piece is hand-drawn or hand-painted. If something does not feel right, we fix it. My goal is to make sure when you see the final piece, you feel exactly what you hoped to see. If you have a specific idea or just a vague feeling you want to capture, reach out. Let’s create something real.
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