The Making of a Surf Painting

Pencil Studies.

Whether a piece of art is a commission, or the sole inspiration of the artist, I cannot overestimate the importance of the pencil studies. Exploration of the subject matter is of the utmost importance. I'll go so far as to say, it's more important than the final art. They are the very foundation of the house you are building.

Working from the examples I am using, I am attempting to demonstrate my approach on this subject. Some of the artistic greats, such as Andrew Loomis, and Norman Rockwell, would make as many as 50 thumbnails before the colour studies. Remember, if it's worth painting, it's worth planning.

What we are after is striking design, if possible. It is so much more important than the subject or material itself.

My assignment was based on the example I submitted, titled 'Ready', which is shown to the left.

One requirement of this assignment was to use a location specific image, which is the house in the background, on the right, plus the wave direction, and colour.

I created 5 pencil studies (4 of which are shown below) to show the Art Director. They were done with a Strathmore #3 pencil on common card stock paper. The surfer is standing, or crouching while preparing for the turn. Also, each one has a tonal variation on the building. The Art Director chose #2 (top-right image below), with the background of #3 (bottom-left image below). Please stay tuned for the next instalment, where we talk about Xerox's and colour comps...


BACK TO STEP ONE | CONTINUE TO STEP THREE...

back to menu... About these tutorials' author...

Ron Croci {click here to view Ron's COTW profile/showcase}

Original paintings and prints can be purchased from Ron. Visit Ron's website at www.roncroci.com. Ron is also represented by Mckibben Gallery, Corona Del Mar, California and Surfing Artist International, Ocean City, New Jersey.