The very beginning stage of a painting is often referred to as a “block-in”. During this time, large shapes, values and colors are placed on the canvas in order to get a sense of form very quickly. What you do during this initial start will often determine how the rest of the painting will progress. Here’s a time lapse video of how I begin a portrait painting by putting down the darkest areas first and then gradually working my way up the value scale. Once the block-in is established, I then…
