Unfortunately, I’ve barely been in front of my easel this year. We’ve been keeping very busy so I have to sneak in some painting time on my lunch breaks and late in the evenings.
I’ve managed to take on more responsibilities this year. I’m writing a book for my mother-in-law, I started a small vegetable garden and am working out 5 to 6 days a week. Whew! I get tired just thinking about it.
Despite this, I have decided to try a new painting plan. I painted a full underpainting before laying down my color. I do like that it helps me determine my values at the beginning of the process.
So far, it’s working out for me. Here are a few pictures of the process in case you are interested. I decided to use gray as the underpainting for the sky and top of the van. It took me several weeks to decide after walking by and looking at the canvas over and over again.



I’ve got quite a ways to go, but I like how it’s coming together so far. Feel free to follow my Instagram account to keep up with my progress. @saltwaterheartstudio

A VW Bus AND a longboard?! That is a painting of heaven right there!