Affordable British Art

Work In progress by John Boyle

stage 1

The first thing I did was grid up the photograph to the canvas dimensions, to ensure the full image would be painted. If they had asked for a head and shoulders I wouldn't have done this, but they didn't, they wanted the full monty. I then started the painting using only yellow ochre and black oil paint, plenty of white spirit and a rag to wipe away excess and create light areas. I try to cover most of the canvas at this stage to give me a level playing field and get rid of that empty white surface. The dress, however, was pretty white so I left some canvas at this point.  I quite enjoy this stage and sometimes the effect itself can be quite pleasing ( give or take a few brush strokes). Next will be working on the features more, adding some colour and trying to keep it all harmonious.

click here for a picture of the next stage