The Progression of a Painting

This is the first painting I've done in my newly designed studio.  It was so very comfortable to have all of my supplies at my fingertips and lots of room for my canvas.

I sketch the outline for the painting first.  Then I usually start a painting with one particular color and fill in all spots for that color.

I like to work from the middle on out.  Here the child and yard get some color.

The tree was next.

The camper trailer was next.

Then I painted the background.  I always save the background for last.  This is probably not the way it should be done but I usually determine what color I'll make the background by the colors used throughout the painting. 

This painting has a special meaning for me.  I lived my first 12 years in one similar to this and I also had a tree swing in the tree next to it.  The camper was parked in my grandmother Jambon's front yard in Golden Meadow, Louisiana.

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I decided it was time to try another technique.  On this painting, I painted the background first. 

I used three different colors for this effect.

The first coat on the tree and swing.  Painted white for where the flowers will go.

Filled in the ground.

Finished the flowers and grass.

The Sunset of Childhood

 I enjoyed doing this canvas and will try this technique again on my next painting.

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Here is another painting I recently completed and took photos from beginning to end.  It was my first attempt at making my own canvas. 

http://yayasbackporchstudio.blogspot.com/p/home-made-stretched-canvas.html

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Here is another painting I just finished and painted the background first.  I found this framed wood piece for $10.00 which is a good deal.  However, I did not like painting on wood.  I think I'll stick to canvas.

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Here are some before and after photos of my next projects on wood.  Found these pieces at an Architectural Salvage place.  I'm becoming a regular customer there.  

closet door primed

I'm going to do a painting on the inset of this door.

small closet door primed

I'm going to draw some words on the front door then do a painting on the inside.

small closet door hinged and primed

stair spindles with finials attached and primed

I'm going to paint these to make garden art stakes.

After photos coming soon.

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