Well, this was a creation of many firsts. And a creation that was enjoyable from the first stroke to the last.
This creation was done over Easter weekend, in 2022, and being honest a creation like this would only be complete when there is time available to have two sittings that are relatively close to each other – like an extended bank holiday weekend.
In my previous post, The Insignia, was the first creation that was undertaken with oil paints. It was quite a small creation – used to try and get used to the way oil paints work. They are different to acrylic paints and the previous media used across the creations.
So with the previous creation complete and out of the way, it was time to move on to something new. Something slightly larger and something that had not been done before, with any media, let alone oil paints. However, the subject of this creation, given away from the title, was ideal for oil paints, as the blends work really well to give the colours, textures and vibrancies that are wanted to be achieved with the creation.
Below is a process video that shows still photos taken throughout the creation, merged together to show how the creation happened.
As mentioned earlier – this was a creation of many firsts: first time using oils on a ‘big-style’ creation – the paper size was A3 compared to A4 for The Insignia; first time doing a creation that takes place over two sittings – worth noting the first sitting was three and a half hours and the second sitting was 2 and a half hours – so all in all, 6 hours to complete the creations; and, it was also the first time that a portrait had been created.
Looking back over previous creations – from the first chalk pastel scene creation to The Joker, it’s incredible to see how a hobby can progress the more confidence and skills you gain. This creation, whilst it is the longest I’ve done, has got to be one of the most, if not the most, enjoyable creation that’s been undertaken.
Another creation like this won’t be on the cards for some time now, given the time it took and as mentioned previously – two days close together where the creation can be complete would be ideal. Rushing a creation isn’t something that should happen. As someone once said, plan and prepare to get the best results you’re able to achieve.
Furthermore, and finally, oil paints take a while longer to dry than any other media due to the base being sunflower oil.
This blog post is available in audio as a podcast and can be found here: The Joker audio
Artwork in Progress 