"Uncertainty" getting to the fun part, painting! Painting in progress step-by-step.

The process for my original painting "Uncertainty" was different from how I normally create an artwork, because with my usual abstract paintings, it is more intuitive with wide and flowing brushstrokes and marks.

As I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, I felt that I wanted to spend more time on portraits as a subject and strengthen my drawing skills. So, if I was asked to draw a face or person on the fly, I could with some confidence that it would look okay! I know I have the skill, but you always need to keep practicing, and you may also feel like you have some drawing weaknesses.

So, once I knew the main image and idea, I used Google to help me, and I found a reference artwork to start from. I knew the theme of my artwork, and there were several elements that I felt were important to include to get my thoughts across. There was money, freedom, looking to the future, and the main theme being the child and their future. What would it look like? What do we wish for our children (as parents)? Here is some of those images below...

Money Tree image

Moving out boxes

Mum and daughter hugging

child crying under tree

Cash flying

cage open and bird flying away

You can also go back to my previous Uncertainty blog post and the very beginning, and see where I explore drawing the portrait of the child's face with charcoal. This was to free up my hand and work with contrast, proportions and emotions with minimal marks. You can get an initial feel for how I started to form the ideas for this painting.

My first portrait study in charcoal which would form the basis of the main subject in the painting. Image from Dreamtime for reference photo.

Although I knew what I wanted the painting to be about, the layout and items were not set in stone. There was still an element of adding and letting it evolve as I went. I love this uncertainty of painting; I don't really know how it is going to look, I just hope I love it at the end! I have added some progress shots to show you how it evolved. There was definitely a point where I thought it looked rubbish and didn't know if I could make it work! I think this thought process is very common in artists, and I know it happens to me with most paintings—the ugly duckling phase! "This doesn't look good, it's rubbish, what was I thinking, should I start over, can I fix this?" The only consolation is that I know this happens all the time, so I put the paintbrush down and finish for the day, or go have a break. I start again the next day after pushing past it, and it normally means that if I just keep going, I am going to create something I really love. It's almost a good thing for me when I get this feeling, as it always works out well if I push through.

Painting in progress Step 1 Sandra Vincent

Inspiration for painting Sandra Vincent

You can still see the painting underneath that I painted over. I started by adding the text that formed the basis of my painting as a collage and adding texture and gesso.

Drawing of child by Sandra Vincent

Beginnings of Painting Sandra Vincent

Paintings step in progress Sandra Vincent

Paintings step by step in progress Sandra Vincent

Sad child painting in progress Sandra Vincent

More progress painting Sandra Vincent

Above shows the beginning of my painting and as it began to evolve step by step. At this stage I know the main subject but still not sure on layout of elements for the rest of the painting yet. You can see as I go forward the boys face becomes more refined. I purposely used certain colours to express the emotions I wanted to portray to the viewer.

Keeping in mind the reference elements I had collected at the start and during my painting, I was thinking about the layout, what I wanted to add and how it would look in the layout, without taking the focus away from the main character.

Close up of child. Painting by Sandra Vincent.

Uncertainty Oil Painting by Sandra Vincent.

Added leaves to painting progress by Sandra Vincent

Painting progress by Sandra Vincent

Mixed Media and Oil Painting by Sandra Vincent

Closer to finishing the painting | Sandra Vincent

Above may be a little like spot the difference! You see in photo 2 some collage is added of birds, cage and leaves. Photo 3 the background is being refined. Photo 4 I have removed the child's hand as it was looking a little weird, distracting and not needed. Photo 5 has had more work on the leaves and Photo 6 I have added some green to the bottom right corner.

At this point, I am getting happier with the balance I have going with the layout, but I am still not happy with the top right corner. It looks too blank, and the red/pink colour is standing out too much.

Step by Step painting by Sandra Vincent

Adding horse to painting in progress Sandra Vincent

Details of horse in oil painting by Sandra Vincent

Photo 1 Money Tree pot is added and I switch the direction of an eye. Photos 2 & 3 horse it added and coins at bottom of tree.

Now we are coming to the finish line, buy I critically look at the painting, and while I could stop here, I think I need to add an element representing time or future. I am also aware that I do not want any other additions to detract or stand out too much, and make the painting look too busy. This is where the clock was added, and then I just refined areas and it was finished. Quite a long process but happy with the finished result. I'd love to hear what you took from the painting and how you emotionally react to it and any comments. If you have gotten through all of this, I appreciate you and hope you got something out of it!

The painting is available for sale now via the Painting section in the Art Shop.

Take Care,

Sandra x