techniques

	Techniques
	This is my attempt to record the process that I use to produce my paintings. It is emerging over time, as I come to understand what is happening as I produce a painting. The balance that I am seeking to achieve is that between producing a likeness and retaining a freedom of artistic expression. At the moment I am trying to achieve realism but want to ensure that an individual style emerges otherwise the painting may as well be a photograph. I have described the process below as a number of steps.
Step 1	Sketch
	This is the creative step. I have taken a photograph (above) and sketched it onto the canvas using a grid. This helps me to keep the proportions right. I have added motif's to give an indication of the character of the individual. The pencil sketch is then emphasised in paint. The pencil grid is removed.
Step 2	Block Colours
	I then fill in the large blocks of colour for the background and base colours of the subject. Note: The painting on the wall is nearly complete, but in reality this has also gone through these steps.
Step 3	First Detail
	I then start to paint in the first level of detail bringing out the shape and form with shading.
Step 4	Second Detail
	It seems necessary to paint over a second time to get the smooth finish and subtle colour transitions of real life. Crisp edges and full paint cover are achieved. Note:I have now put in the secondary detail to the main subject. This has been added to provide background and interest on the person. In this case Bryce is a Texan who is a theologian and was a Baptist minister who has a deep love for his wife and family. He is a man of faith, family and writing.
Step 5	Finish
	The final step is to ensure that everything is correct with regards to lighting, shadow and reflection. The main subject is scrutinised to ensure that likeness has been achieved. In this case, a small increase in jaw dimension, changed a pinched face into a warm reflection of the real person.
Step 6	Not Quite - Check with Bryce's Wife!
	Despite everything there is nothing like a wife's eye for detail - the eyes should have been brown!!! Lesson Learnt: Never trust a photograph or guess based on one.