Step 2: reference, hands

The white has been set down for the color of the hands. that means that I had to paint the shape of where the hands are going, white. the white is used to refer back to canvas so we can build solid colors, on top.

Step 3: darks on hands

Your darks should be looked at as abstract shapes. In order to get things in the right place you have to look at the shading not only as shading on an object but, as an object all in itself. I'm trying to get the main areas where those darks are.

Step 4: hands, color and shading

After laying down dark colors, I wanted to smooth things out (blend) and then let that dry to complete this phase of thinking. A lot of the time, I will paint a layer and that layer or that color is a single thought.

Step 7: Shading and details

I'm going by color. the darker I get, the closer to final details I get. After the darks get figured out, it's easier to see where your finishing highlights will go.

Step 10: finished hands

After the flame on the candle has been done, we can call the hands done (for now). I'll add that the way to achieve a glow for the flame is use of a gradient using only white paint.

Step 11: reference(s)

A lot of the time, things will never be perfect. In order to get the zombie female exactly how I wanted in my head, I needed to look at 3 images for reference all at the same time to create what I visioned. I had to take some shots of my friend, a shot of my hand against the wall, and a shot of another woman, in costume.

Step 13: creating the zombie

So, quite a bit has been done. The main thing to walk away with is that I had to refer back to canvas which is why I had to paint a white layer underneath her. White was also used as the finishing touches for this session.

Step 14: finishing touches

It's the drips under the circular frame that wrapped this up for me (for the time being).

Step 15: wall ready

I'm going to admit... This wan't the finished product. I added some layers of resin, a thick pour-on gloss. I felt like it "had to be done" for the art show. Don't worry, I'll post up the image from the Zombie Art Show on Halloween. As far as finishing goes.... it is a challenge when to really call something "finished". In this case, this could have been finished....

Step 1: White

After the background is done, White paint is applied, in order to refer back to canvas and to make the other colors on top solid.

Step 2: Solid Color

Now, the color over the white looks solid. All that needs to be done in this step is applying the general color... or the color "in the middle."

Step 3: Shading and Highlights

This is where you want the paint to stay wet. If it's not wet, you can't blend. The shape of the general skull is still being figured out as well.

Step 4: Skull Details

The main details in the skull were definitely the teeth. The smallest brush was used. Shape corrections in the skull were made also.

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Process of the Passion

Painting or simply, creating art, whether it be with paint, pencil, or whatever has been something I've held on to ever since I was a little girl. I get lost in it. It makes me feel better about myself. It's something I have that no one can take away from me. I want to share with you what I hold so dear, the process I go through in each painting I create.

I want to reach out to others who share the same passion for the craft.

Each piece I post will guide you through and explain the steps towards a finished piece.

Step 1

Grabbed an old skateboard and sanded it down a little, preparing it to be painted on.

Step 2

The Background: This was done using a layer of black, not totally covering the shape of the bullet. A layer of splatter was also added, reserving the space for the bullet, as well. This splatter technique was done with more action, using the motion of throwing a ball with the paint brush.

Step 3

Painting the bullet on the board: this required a good reference with a little bit of alteration. the only thing really changed was the perspective and angles of the bullet. The lighting and shading was perfect. This started by using a layer of white paint to make the layer solid.

Step 4

A mask need to be placed on top of the bullet to protect it from the white paint that will be splattered as the finishing touch. I wanted to add another element of "light" and "speed" and "smoke."

Step 5

After taking off the mask, we now have added "light" to the "smoke" and the "speed" of our bullet.