I have received numerous requests to post some tutorial's on how to execute traditional "figure study" drawings and paintings.

It should be remembered that successful drawings and paintings are complex processes and a single on-line tutorial is not the beginning and the end of successful art execution. This page should rather be considered a rough guide, a guide that might give an artist some ideas and pointers to consider.

Introduction:
This painting was done for the Godfather of Star Wars design and visualization - Ralph McQuarrie's - 80th Birthday.
This was an especially challenging undertaking because I was painfully aware that I was doing a painting for one of the most skilled artists ever to have worked in modern film.
I wanted to celebrate the man AND the art he had done for the original trilogy. I needed to find a balance between my portrait and his work - while trying NOT to simply include copies of his recognizable art.

The process:
1) I like the neutral, warm hue of MDF board and often use it to paint on. By referring to my layout sketches and reference material, I carefully draw each of the layout elements using a blue pencil (I prefer blue because, later in the painting process, I can see the blue guidelines thru the paint easily).
I spend hours making sure the underlying drawing is accurate by fastidiously measuring, re-measuring and carefully drawing until I am satisfied.
2) Although I like the warm color of the MDF board, I generally don't like painting on a clean, clear surface - I prefer a texture. Here I have used a dark brown to splash liberally over the entire board to make both texture and interesting abstract shapes over which I will paint.
3) Using the same burnt brown (sometimes deepened to a darker color by adding black) I use a wash to block out the darker areas and shapes.
Don't rush any of these processes. When over-painting, Look AGAIN at your underlying drawing and make corrections as you paint.
4) Ralph's face is the most important part of the painting so I start work there. Using a combination of painted wash and colored pencil, I slowly build up the surface - trying to keep the luminous freshness of clean, clear paint.
5) I changed the shape and position of Ralph's hand to create a tighter composition. I slowly add to the background making sure I don't overwork any areas as these areas can end up clashing with the face
6) I work slowly around the whole composition bringing to life each little image-frame with painted wash, thicker paint and colored pencil
7) The finished piece is varnished which brings out the brightness of the paint and the glow of the MDF board underneath

Remember, Take your time, don't paint too dark, too quickly or too heavily. Make sure you don't overwork the composition...

Good luck

The final piece is here: [link]