Over a period of time I've come to rely on an evolving system derived from multiple source materials. Utilizing my rough notes, many years experience of memory drawing, and fluid adaptations in my style help keep the initial concept sustained throughout the creative process. I've learned to often trust my initial impression and cognitive emotion more than any particular type of reference material. While I am painting a scene the motivation is to concentrate on those original thoughts and perceptions to give my emotions full reign.
I continuously focus these inner thought processes to spontaneously experience a creative process applying the brush stroke in the same moment.
Thumbnail
A working approach begins with a series of doodling impressions for example; The Katrina Oil Sketches -for this project I (like a lot of people) began contemplating what it might feel like to suffer such a horrific and dangerous situation.
From these ideas I created a number of thumbnail sketches, paying attention to design composition and negative shapes. All the rough designs are then painted on small wooden panels.
Modeling
Using wax I then fashion figures for composition purposes. While keeping the small sketches loose and abstract, the nature of wax medium allows me to change the figure positions easily, as the emerging paintings dictate.
Finishing
The oil sketches on these pages are being painted directly from my current studio setup -working outdoors with live models and using props in related weather/lighting conditions.
Thanks for your interest and feedback- DF Wilhelm July,2006