"Morning Coffee" in process

6"x8"

Oil on Board

I teach on Thursdays, so didn't have time to finish this painting, but it was a great process of beginning it for me, so I decided to photograph that. I can't say I am usually so methodical in starting my paintings! But I was preparing for the class I was to teach last night and found myself doing examples of the real loose sketches I wanted them to try and decided to do the same to begin this piece. I first drew the subject very loosely, lots of movement, keeping the pencil going until I had pretty thoroughly studied it. Then I put in an ink wash to isolate positive/negative shapes and value shapes. I had toned my board somewhat darker than I usually do, and began by putting in the dark shapes and continued by putting in the light. I was able to see the painting as patterns of value shapes rather than a collection of objects/people--very helpful! It seemed that doing that really created a unity at the beginning. Now--on to finishing it!