A Little Personality Showing Through (Part 3)

I've mentioned elsewhere that my approach to painting is conversational. What I mean by that is that it feels like the painting lets me know where it wants to go. Sure, I have put in the time and work to learn the skills, and sure I am making conscious decisions; but at the same time it is an act of communicating with what is on the canvas. I also find that as the painting progresses the subject begins to tell me more about itself. Often the animals in my paintings are symbolic, and this is where that symbolism takes shape.

Previously I discussed how I start a painting, and then about laying down the base layers. The next step is to begin putting down something more solid. Every painting is different, but for this bison I began to work in some more solid colors and textures (as seen in the video). 

At this point I'm still looking at things in terms of generalities. I have not started putting in much detail, but what I am adding in this layer refines what was put down in the underpainting. My approach is to slowly refine, layer by layer, while allowing the colors to guide the way. At this stage the colors are still not "singing," but they are laying the foundation for my signature style. 

Do you have questions about this stage of the painting? Let me know in the comments.

[Painting] is an act of communicating with what is on the canvas...