Process of creating a painting

When I am working on a piece I always take photos of each stage of completion.  This is a tool my painter mentor taught me.  It enables me to see the work as it develops and identify what is working and what isn't.   If I get stuck it also allows me to go back and try to track where things started going wrong.  These are the records of how Team Roping was created.   I always start with composition sketches to work out the design and layout of the piece.  From there I often do a small color sketch painting.  Doing a small version usually helps me figure out my values and color schemes and enables me to tackle areas that might be a problem when painting is blown up to larger version.  

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Preliminary sketch.

 

First stage is the underpainting - usually done in burnt umber tones.  

 I started with the steer however I often work in an all-over manner when starting a painting and don't focus on one element.   

 

I started with the steer however I often work in an all-over manner when starting a painting and don't focus on one element.  

 

 

Close-up of steer.`

 

Now horses and background going in. 

 

Final product.