My inspiration comes and goes in waves. It always starts with me having some crazy dream, or coming across a really cool editorial photo. Usually creativity hits me at the most inopportune times, like in the middle of the night when I have to wake up early the next day and be a productive adult. However, now that I have a studio that is separate from my home, I am better at managing my time when working on a piece & tend to keep to a better schedule. I am currently working on a portrait called "Lucy" using oil paint on canvas, which for the past few years has been my preferred medium. 

The first few steps that I take involve choosing what scale I want to work with, then getting a rough outline of the idea in my sketchbook before putting paint on canvas. After the idea is out in the real world and not just in my mind, I get started. Here is a short step by step:

1. Using a very light color, preferably in the same color family that my end result will be in, I create a gesture of my subject matter to get the proper scale in place.

2. I start working on the background and get an outline of my shadows and highlights. (I always go in later and add some more layers and depth) 

3. I get more in depth with shadows, this time using the natural skin tones of my subject. 

4. Begin to add more details to the facial features.
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5. Finally start working on the eyes. These will be a focal point so I really study my reference and take time, but try not to overwork.

6. From here on I continue to add more details over all until I complete the piece.

"Lucy" Is still a work in progress. I try not to put a time frame on my paintings. If I feel rushed, it will definitely show and will just end up a mess. If you are struggling with painting in oils, patience is key! If you need any other tips or tricks, please send over your questions via our contact page, instagram, or twitter.