Here is the preparatory work for two new paintings.  The first two images are thumbnail value studies about 2"x3', next come the larger drawing to better understand the subtle value transitions.  Finally the last two images are the charcoal drawing directly on the canvas.  My next post will begin demonstrating the painting process.
cheers!
  

Welcome to my studio blog...

 I thought I'd kick this off with a little glimpse of my process.  The paintings begin on a lightly toned canvas on which I sketch the image in charcoal.  Once the drawing is complete go over the charcoal lines with a raw umber and a little OMS.  This then dries for a couple of days.  The next step is a wipe out with raw umber, lifting the lights with a old t-shirt rag (less lint) and going back in with raw umber to slightly darken the darks. Another couple of drying days then it's back to the easel with the laying in of all the color paying very careful attention to the values.  2 more drying days then back in with final tweaking and glaszing.