Dos Palomas step-by-step

This shows the step-by-step process for my painting, Dos Palomas, 18×24, oil on canvas.  I like to use a toned canvas and work backward and forward.  That is, I push the darks back and use the lights to bring forward.  Using a toned canvas adds a cohesiveness to the overall painting.  Sometimes it shows through in tiny bits which also adds interest.  My favorite tones are a burnt sienna mixed with darks, usually cobalt blue.  I also like a real dark canvas which is interest.  I’ve tried red but find that is too distracting although many artists enjoy that.  I’ve also tried greens, blues and purples but felt they threw off my color concentration. 

Before I begin any painting, I do a number of thumbnail and larger sketches.  Often I’ll do a full size sketch.  This allows me to work out some of the composition bugs.  What to leave in, what to leave out. 

So this is a step-by-step pictorial of the painting.

Dos Palomas step 1. Rough sketch on toned canvas. I’ve already done some pencil sketches.

Dos Palomas step 2. Roughing in medium values, some darker value markers.

 

Dos Palomas step 3. More refinement on the medium values.

Dos Palomas step 4. Adding more detail. At night I work with a color-corrected lamp but as you can see, it is too hot for this type of set up.

 

Dos Palomas step 5. Almost complete. Now just to add the final touches.

Dos Palomas final. 18×24 oil on canvas. Added some cooler tones to counteract the overly warm tones.