How it Starts

 

How does every creation begin? 

It starts with a freshly prepped canvas—yes, even if it’s store-bought and already primed, I always recommend adding your own layer of preparation. From there, the ideas begin to flow. Sometimes I have a flood of concepts before settling on one, and other times a single vision takes hold and I sketch it out as my guide.

This is my process, and I find it deeply rewarding. It helps me visualize where elements will go, what belongs in the composition, and how to approach the piece with intention. I consider balance, proportion, and the sequence of steps—what needs to happen first to support what comes later.

Unlike coloring in a coloring book (which I still love!), painting requires strategic layering. You have to think ahead: what will you start with, and what will be layered over it to achieve the desired effect? Starting in the wrong place won’t ruin the painting, but it can complicate the process and alter the final result. For example, if I begin by painting the candle and its glow first, it could throw off the entire composition. I might end up layering over it, creating textures that don’t enhance the piece. The result might still be okay—but with better planning, it could have reached masterpiece level.

And that’s always the goal. Even if we fall short, it’s okay. What matters is that we gave it our all and worked to the best of our abilities — especially if you're like me, a self-taught artist.