My Artistic Process From Start to Finish

1. Photography

My primary inspiration for a painting is almost always found in the natural world or environments where animals can be seen in their natural habitat. I love capturing imagery through my own camera lens and being able to witness some incredible moments, in addition to the quieter ones. The best time of day for photographing is often in the morning or evening when the sun creates natural light and shadow and I try to carry my camera with me at these times, wherever I go.

2. Life Study

Photographs, with good lighting, can reveal a lot of information about a subject - but not all! If I need a better understanding of form or expression, sometimes the best way to do this is by observing an animal up-close. For live animals, I like to visit zoos, aquariums, farms, or wildlife refuges where the animals are cared for in captivity. I can also be found sketching from specimens at the RISD Nature Lab or Natural History Museums. This practice helps me better understand the structure and movement of an animal.

3. Digital Composition

My last step in preparing for a painting is creating a compelling composition. This can be the most challenging and time-consuming part of my process, though it is an essential step in creating a complete work. I will take a variety of photographs and edit them in Photoshop, playing with lighting, placement, color, and backgrounds. Once I’ve created a composit digital sketch that I like, it becomes the basis for the final painting.