"Nostalgia" has begun!  As promised in my February Newsletter, I am documenting the painting stages of this latest commission.  I am calling it "Nostalgia" as all the items reflect fond memories for the collector.  This is a 30" x 30" oil painting.  Here is the reference photo I took of the setup.   The client and I worked together to create the setup choosing from a number of collectible items that she brought with her.  I have to say I think my favorite is the Minnie Mouse statue.  I can't wait to paint Minnie!  She is standing near the easel in my studio to greet me every time I walk into the studio.

Prior to day one of painting I spent a few hours getting the sketch drawn onto the panel using a pastel pencil.  I use a neutral pastel pencil as it can be easily erased and has no impact on the paint when I paint over it.  Lead pencils tend to show through the paint while the pastel pencil does not.  Here is the sketch.  There is a little dark paint on the upper left corner as I had started painting before I realized I had not taken a photo of the sketch.

Day 1 of actual painting involved putting the first layer of the dark background on the painting.  Minnie is already starting to pop as well as the Bob's Big Boy menu. 

As soon as the background is dry I will begin the next step.  Stay tuned!