Techniques and Process: Basic Steps of Paintings

A look at basic steps of painting using "Hanging Orchids" as an example. Featured in the December 2023 Newsletter.

To start, I do an underpainting, which is basically a one color version of the final piece. Underpaintings can be a rough sketch or a fully finished monochrome version. Because of the thickness of paint that I use, I tend to just use rough outlines.

Underpainting stage

Next I start blocking in basic colors. In this case I started with the flower pots and some lighter greens.

First main colors blocked in.

Then I block in the darkest areas.

Darkest shadows and greens added.

I continue blocking in colors.

More colors added

Eventually I have the whole painting filled. It’s important to get the colors, shapes, and forms as close as possible to the final result in these steps.

Colors all blocked in at the end of the first pass.

However, after I let the paint dry for a day or two, I go in and glaze more details and shadows. Glazing is a technique where transparent layers of paint are applied. This is the step that creates richer colors, deeper shadows, and more delicate forms.

Final painting after adjusting colors and edges with glazing.

I use these basic steps for all of my paintings.