Behind the Brush: My Painting Process
Every portrait I paint has a story. Get a peek behind the scenes—from the first sketch to the final protective varnish—and see how I turn your memories into art.
The very first stage of a commission piece. This is the initial pencil sketch on a toned canvas, mapping out the composition of the man, the car, and the house.
Here, I've started blocking in the major elements. The house is taking shape, and I've painted the black Rolls Royce, leaving the figure of the man to be detailed later.
Another angle of the initial sketch phase. Getting the proportions and perspective right at this stage is crucial for the final painting's success.
In this stage, I've added more detail to the background, including the palm trees and the warm glow from the windows of the house.
People often ask how I make my portraits look so 3D. The answer is understanding the basics, like the power of shadows and highlights to create form and dimension.
A burnt sienna underpainting is a technique that helped me improve my portraits and paint them faster. It allows me to map out the values (light and shadow) before I even add color.
Part one of a portrait commission. This video shows the process from priming the canvas and toning it to blocking in the main colors of the subject and background.
A cozy time-lapse of me working on a commission on a rainy Saturday. This is my typical setup, with my paints, brushes, and a reference photo on my tablet.
A glimpse into my life as a late-night artist. Sometimes the best creative energy comes after the sun goes down, and I'm working late to finish a piece like this one.
A quick promotional video I made using a finished painting. It's a fun way to showcase my work and remind everyone that I'm open for commissions.
About Behind the Brush: My Painting Process
My process is rooted in both efficiency and heart. For every portrait commission, I start with a value study—usually a burnt sienna underpainting—to map out light and shadow before applying color. This technique helps me capture accurate skin tones and proportions much faster, ensuring I can focus my energy on the finer details, like clothing patterns or expression, that make your piece feel truly personal.
When you book a custom portrait commission, you aren't just getting a painting; you are getting a piece of work that I have dedicated days to. My process starts with a simple conversation to understand the vibe you are looking for. Whether it is a couple portrait, a memorial piece merging photos of loved ones, or a pet portrait, the goal is always the same: capturing the emotion of the moment.
After we lock in the details, I prepare the surface—be it stretched cotton canvas, rustic wood slices, or specialty paper. I begin with the sketch and then move to the underpainting. This is the stage where I map out the shadows and highlights, which gives the final acrylic work its signature 3D depth. I avoid rushing this step because it is the foundation of the entire painting.
I layer my acrylic paints, building up vibrancy and texture. Every piece is finished with a double coat of varnish to protect it from dust and UV fading, keeping the colors sharp for years. Because I pour so much of myself into each layer and limit my monthly slots to maintain quality, my order list can fill up quite quickly. I always recommend reaching out early if you have a specific date in mind, like an anniversary or birthday. If you have a specific artistic theme in mind—like a Van Gogh aesthetic, Ghibli vibes, or a Taylor Swift inspired color palette—let me know during our chat. I love finding ways to integrate those personal touches into the background or the overall style of the art.
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