Painting Step by Step

Detail, "Follow Me", St. Petersburg, oil, 36"x36", ©Linda Hugues, $2,500.

My Process
Did you ever look at a painting and say, "How do they DO that??" Well here's your chance to see. This is a step by step record of my progress (and missteps) as I painted one of my latest.

"Follow Me" is a scene from St. Petersburg, a beautiful city on Tampa Bay that attracts retirees from around the world. I wanted to capture the chic, laid-back vibe of a Saturday morning on Beach Boulevard.

I always work from my own photos to create a composite image that tells the story.

4"x4" pen and ink value drawing.

First lines on canvas.

Adding darker values.

Restating the main drawing lines in black.

Detail of the finished drawing

Adding darker darks and lighter lights.

I start with the strongest colors.

Adding color to the sky and palm trees.

Working on the other buildings, background greenery, street, figures, and dog.

I really love this palm tree shadow on the building.

I wanted this guy and his scooter to stay in the shadow so as not to detract from the couple.

I like the sense of movement of this couple and their dog.

Lightening sky and street and adding values to show form in sunlight. Now, after three weeks, finally finished!

Not A Piece of Cake
When I look at these images of my progress it looks so easy and straightforward! But with each step I consider multiple options for form, line, value, and intensity. I ask myself, "Does this part work? Does it work with the rest of the painting?"

When I think I'm finally finished, I put the painting away for about a week so I can look at it with a fresh eye and make final adjustments. Then all that's left is the signature and a coat of varnish. And on to the next painting!