Steps to a Portrait

I recently completed an important commission of a local fencing legend, Jim Campoli.  I thought I'd share with you the steps taken to develop the painting.

Source photo taken by Stewart McVickers II.

 I usually prefer to work from life when executing a portrait, but this painting was to be given as a surprise gift to Mr. Campoli. So, I had to work from photographs provided by the client. Out of four choices, the client and I chose the photo above to be source for the final composition.

Step 1- Line Drawing

Step 2-  I start blocking in the face, jacket and background color.

Step 3- I work on the background and start on the form of the fencing mask.

Step 4. Starting to work on the saber here.

Step 5. Final version of oil portrait.