A look into my process: Step by Step
If you wish to have something other than an exact copy
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Step 1: The photo
I start with a photo. for example, here is a Photo of my cousin, Samantha Rodes. then i have to decide to the size to do it at, this piece is 9" x 12". Step 2: the beginning SO I HAVE THE PHOTO...NOW WHAT? SHOULD I COPY IT EXACTLY? DO I KEEP THE BACKGROUND? DO I CHANGE ANY COLORS OR ADD ANYTHING? AS I WAS BRAINSTORMING, I NOTICED HOW DRAMATIC THE PHOTO LOOKS; IT IS ALMOST LIKE A BAROQUE PAINTING FROM THE LATE 1600S. AND THAT BROUGHT ME TO MY NEXT step: The research |
Samantha Rodes is a creature actor based the LA area in California. In her free time, she designs ghoulish creature characters and applies her own make-up. This photo was my favorite out of all the ones she sent me
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Step 3: Research
For this specific piece, the first thought I had was how the photo reminds me of the famous painting "Girl with A Pearl earring" by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. I couldn't shake the idea, so I decided to take this route, I just needed to add something to make it look like an old oil painting. I figured the clothing was the main issue that was making my idea incomplete. after scouring the internet, I found the type of clothing I wanted Samantha to be wearing. |
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Step 4: MOCK-UP SKETCH
I have the photo, and now I have my idea. The next phase is making a mock up sketch in order to combine my ideas to see if it even works in the first place. Using an application called Sketchbook, which is a lesser photoshop-type app, I start sketching. |
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Step 5: Breaking out the paper and pencils
Alright, time to blow a little of the "magic" away. Due to my tight schedule and amateur skills, I do not start off freehand. It would take me way too much time if i did that with every piece, so I trace most of the image's shapes off of my computer directly or using a projector. |
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Step 6: coloring
Now it's time for the best and longest part, actually working on the art piece! Usually i do a piece like this in about 2-3 weeks. Depends on pieces in my cue, as well as my health issues. MEDIUMS: -BRISTOL DRAWING PAPER -PRISMACOLOR PREMIER PENCILS -PRISMACOLOR NUPASTEL -BLACK (110) COPIC MARKER |
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STEP 7: It's Finished
After all of my hard work, I am finally finished! this piece specifically is one of my favorites, and I think it's one of my best to date. This piece ended up as a gift to my cousin, she loved it to say the least.
ANOTHER LOOK AT THE PHOTO COMPARED TO THE FINAL ART PIECE
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