There are many different ways to begin creating a painting. This one works for me - I begin to paint, only after journaling and writing down my goals and painting intentions for the day. Usually I paint in a series, a theme... and title each piece first. The title keeps me focused toward my painting goal.
Step One - Determine the color combination and tone the surface with the dominant color. Goof around with variations of that one dominant color.
Start off abstractly with very loose, wet colors. Let dry while continuing on to your next painting in the series.
Step Two - The second color is the Focal Point color. The Focal Point is usually the reason I want to paint this image in the first place.
Step Three - Close to the Focal Point color, I add the two Spice Colors.
Just a small amount of each.
So far, at this point the painting is still loose and abstract - It's like all the elements are in place. Now, while the surface is still wet and before the
paint dries, I begin to paint the painting. Again, this technique is only one approach among many others. This one works for me.
Step Four - The loose, wet beginning of the initial color combination and design composition is now ready to turn into the painting image I had sketched and planned from the beginning of this process of making a painting.
As I like to say, "Decide what you want first... then make it happen." In fact, I name the painting first and write it on the back of the surface. Hint: The painting will be finished when the image matches the title.
As I finish the painting, I keep my focus on the design composition, color combination and theme. The painting title is "Sunlight and Flowers".
Under every good painting is a good abstract painting!
