Step by Step:

Think like a painter

1 It’s all in the preparation

My colour comps are unrefined gold. I treasure them and refer to them throughout the painting process. All the work is here in miniature. Taking the time to figure out the composition, colour scheme and lighting on a small scale makes the painting stage a joy rather than a hardship.

2 Digital is cheap!

The days of worrying about the cost of developing film are over. So even if the chances of hitting the perfect pose in one shot is almost nil, I can shoot 20 or more variations of every pose, then use the best hand, head, foot and expression to compose the ideal shot in Photoshop.

3 To paint fast, go slow

Frank Frazetta was famous for his speed of execution at the painting stage, and it all seemed like alchemy to me as a younger artist, but behind the scenes Frank mulled over colour roughs and sketches well in advance. If you want your painting to go quickly, make time for preparation.