The Process

Original Oils on Canvas:

Each painting begins as a pencil sketch of an idea Anna or myself have had. Together we refine the sketch repeatedly until we are both satisfied with the result. Next, we gather the necessary model, flowers, fruit etc. A preliminary photo shoot then takes place in our studio with myself taking the pictures and Anna making minute adjustments to various props, costumes etc. During the initial photo shoot we are careful to pay close attention to composition and to the overall color palette (something Anna is especially critical of). We then review the photographs and often refine them further with a second photo shoot. When we are satisfied we will then stage a final shoot on location, fortunately for us there are many beautiful beaches on Kauai from which to choose.

After the final photo shoot Anna and I review all the images and select our favorite. This photo is then used strictly as a reference. We do not paint over photographs or use some sort of digital trickery.

Our original paintings have been painted in the traditional manner reminiscent of the old masters, that is, oil on canvas applied by hand and brush (no airbrushing) in a thin layer over layer technique. Our canvases are hand stretched and gesso coated using high quality materials throughout. For their unmatched brilliance and purity we use Artists' Quality Winsor & Newton and Rembrandt oils exclusively. Our originals typically take two to three months to complete.

The Process Continued...