Digital painting on iPad Pro using Procreate App and 30-second Time-Lap video depicting six hours of development.

Step 1. After reviewing location and consultation with wedding coordinator and coming up with initial thumbnail for composition, I sketched the interior of the location for future artwork.

Step 2. I inserted the figures of the guests into the established interior painting.

Step 3. I placed the dancing newly wed couple as a main focus point for the artwork, which creates the illusion of depth.

Step 4. I started to apply color for the interior and the guest figures.

Step 5. I applied more details for the guest figures and developed the couple in color while working on their proportions and gestures.

Step 6. I spent additional time reimagining the figures and refining their likenesses.

According to the couple, they were alone on a mountain hike and the groom was secretly carrying his engagement ring with him, waiting for the perfect place to propose. When they got to this magical lake high in the mountains, he got down on one knee in front of his bride and proposed. They were so surprised to find out that there was a photographer nearby taking pictures of the gorgeous location, who immediately switched over to document their engagement. This photographer later provided them with all of their engagement photos, which I used to plan the final artwork.

The artwork was commissioned as a surprise gift from a brother to his sister. Here is a photo of the surprised couple receiving the gift.

Case Study 1. Step-by-step demonstration of creating a life painting, in about three hours, oil on paper, size 14.5”x18.5”.

Once the clients have approved the initial composition based on the original life painting, we work together to select all the necessary reference images to create the artwork they desire.