My oil painting process

It starts with inspiration. Maybe I spotted a flower that I liked or an old trinket at a thrift store. I love to paint, because I get to sit with subjects that I am interested in and dive into the details that create the full image that we see from afar.

I usually know how I want to scale the image of my idea as soon as I see the canvas. My subjects are typically centered, but if they aren’t, I will add other elements to create balance to the space.

The hardest part is coloring. Mixing paint takes up majority of my time of the entire process. I have to choose the colors of every little detail of the subject, scenery, and even the parts of the canvas most don’t notice like the edges or the foundational undertones. Every painting begins as a few magenta abstract shapes that guide the evolution of the rest of the painting.

Oil painting takes several layers. My processes usually takes about 3-4 layers of paint. In between layers, I allow a few days of drying time so that I can start painting again on a mostly dry surface. I’m not a fan of wet on wet technique since I follow a bit more of an Impasto style. I choose this style, because we get smooth realistic pictures with cameras everyday. I want my original paintings to be thick with paint so it will be obvious in the fact that they are hand painted. When you touch my paintings, you can feel each brush stroke and the paint that is left behind.

While I paint, I love to listen to audiobooks. The local libraries here in Shreveport Bossier offer free apps for card holders with hundreds of new and classical books. My paintings are heavily inspired by the mythology and philosophy books that I have been reading since I was a kid. Oil painting is a long process, but time flies when you’re having fun.

And of course, to top it all off I finish with a clear coat of spray varnish.