I thought I would share some photos from the process of creating this last piece. Above, the canvas has been coated with flat latex. The linework is already on the piece at this point. I apologize that I don’t have images from before this stage. I work from much smaller sketches that give me an initial idea of how I want to work the composition.

I don’t draw under-drawings directly on the canvas; I use a simple graphite transfer from a sheet of large paper where I have drawn a large version of my sketch. With the impression of the linework now on top of the latex, I then ink the lines in various weights.

Above, I’ve secured a sheet of paper on the canvas with the lettering written out on it.

The reverse of the sheet is covered with graphite.

As I write over the lettering, the loose graphite is transferred onto the canvas.

I then ink over the impression.

More inking.

It’s not an exact process, but I’m always trying to get the final piece to be faithful to the sketch.

After the initial ink, I add acrylics. The red is mixed, but the white is straight from the tube. Afterward, much of the linework needs redone before the piece is complete.

Also – happy birthday, Dad!