Painting Process
First of all, our paintings are genuinely hand painted. We don’t offer canvas prints or posters. We supply only genuine oil paintings by real living, professional and experienced artists. As our reproduction paintings are handmade, they would differ slightly from the original in brushtrokes, colors and other details. In the following, we show how we make a reproduction oil painting.
Step 1 – Sketching the Composition:
The journey of creating a handmade oil painting commences with a
meticulous sketching process, where an artist conceives and transfers
their vision onto canvas. Employing a light touch with charcoal or a
thin brush, the preliminary outlines are delicately drawn, establishing
the composition's structure. This stage is crucial as it lays the
foundation for the subsequent steps, ensuring that the proportions and
perspective align harmoniously within the frame. The sketch serves as a
roadmap, guiding the artist through the intricate details and spatial
relationships that will later come to life with color and texture.
Step 2 – Laying the Underpainting:
With the sketch firmly in place, the next step involves the application
of an underpainting, which sets the tonal framework for the entire
piece. Using a limited palette, often monochromatic to maintain focus on
value rather than hue, the artist applies layers of paint to establish
the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights. This foundational layer is built
gradually, allowing each coat to dry slightly before the next is added,
ensuring a solid base upon which the colors can later interact and
blend seamlessly.
Step 3 – Blocking In the Form:
With the underpainting dry, the artist begins to block in the basic
colors and forms of the subject matter. This stage is about establishing
the broad strokes and general hues without focusing on details. The
goal is to capture the essence of the subject and create a foundation
upon which more detailed work can be built.
Step 4 – Developing Details:
Once the initial colors and shapes are in place, the artist moves on to
refine the painting by adding details. This involves layering more
precise strokes of paint to define edges, textures, and highlights.
Gradual refinement continues, with the artist working back and forth
between different areas of the painting to ensure consistency and unity
throughout.
Step 5 – Final Touches and Completion:
In the final stage, the artist steps back to assess the painting as a
whole. Any adjustments to color, contrast, or composition are made at
this point. Smaller details and finishing touches are added, such as
highlights, shadows, and accents, to bring the painting to life. Once
satisfied with the result, the artist signs their name, marking the
completion of the artwork. The painting is then allowed to dry
thoroughly before varnishing to protect the surface and enhance the
colors.
