Four Steps to the Process

Steve Simon has over fifteen years of experience in creating custom paintings for clientele. He employs a four-step process that is designed to maximize the client's creative input and minimize the possibility of "unveiling disappointment" of the commissioned art.

Step 1: Collect images

In most cases, the client and artist both collect images to be used in the brainstorming process of creating the composition. In the example shown here, the client provided an old black and white photograph of an estate that no longer exists. The goal was to create a painting that would preserve the memories of times gone past.

Step 2: Create the Charcoal Sketch on Canvas

The client and artist review the images and discuss elements that should be augmented, added, or deleted in an effort to improve the composition to suit the client's desires. The artist then sketches the composition on the actual canvas to be used for the painting. The sketch is then presented to the client, usually by e-mailing a digital photograph of the sketch.

At this point, the client is encouraged to make further suggestions. If desired, the client suggests changes and the artist reiterates the process until approval of the sketch. It should be noted that this stage provides the greatest latitude to make significant changes to the composition. Changes can still be made in subsequent steps but such changes are limited to color and detail.

Notice the gondola and bridge added to the left.  The palm trees have been raised to expose more architecture and clouds have been introduced to the sky to create more interest.

Step 3: Establish Color Through the Under-painting

In this step the artist begins to establish rough color. A quick under-painting is created to work out relationships of hue, value, and brightness. As with the charcoal sketch, the artist presents the under-painting to the client and again queries the client for any suggestions and repeats the process until approval to continue to the final step.

Step 4: The Final Painting

With the composition and under-painting now firmly established, the artist completes the painting. The painting is then presented to the client. Final details are edited before final approval.