So I've had this commission looming for some time and I'm finally getting to it. The procrastination can be explained... it always can, that's what's so dangerous. Well, I thought I'd chronicle the process through photos and this blog to illustrate my process. Since debuting this style last winter, I have received countless inquiries into the process. Many artists dare not share their process for fear of someone stealing the technique. I don't mind sharing. For one, any artist stealing another artist's technique and running to the gallery with it ain't worth a damn anyway. If someone wants to try out what I'm doing, experiment, make it their own, I'm all for it. Hell, don't think this just came to me as if delivered my the Arch-Angel Galbriel... I got inspiration by viewing the artworks and interior faux finishes of Danny Phillips at InYourSpace. I had it in my head for about a year, then worked on it for the same. Now it's yours to take it to the next level.
I Build my own art panels as shown in the pic above. Have for many years. I get better quality and value and the freedom to experiment.
I have 3 panels, each 1 ft w x 3 ft h. they will hang 9 inches apart above a bed and between 2 windows. They are going to a client in California and to save on shipping, I designed it in 3 pieces. My pricing is based on the sqft of surface so breaking up the panels and hanging them with space in between also covers more space while saving money.
I put a thin coat of Gesso on the panel surface to accept the oil paint. Once dry, I lay a pre-made stencil made for faux finishes down (I work on the floor) and lay a thick coat of the Gesso on using my finger. This will take some time to dry. I let it cure up a bit but not dry before peeling the plastic stencil off. I will do this again and again, adding to the design, until the desired look if achieved. Now I have the 3-d effect that will be the bones of my final painting.
More to come...
