Giselle

The process

From first sketch to finished painting.

1. First post · October 31, 2025

   

   Creating idea/mood boards for potential paintings to be actualised in the upcoming months

2. Stage 2 · November 20, 2025

   

   New project. Soon to be unveiled….

3. Stage 3 · November 25, 2025

   

   Behind the scenes. Creating and moving with my current muse; using natural light as a mode of inspiration

4. Stage 4 · December 2, 2025

   

   Beginning stages of a painting inspired by the ballet Giselle. Here we have a paper towel role posing alongside the lovely Arianna.

5. Stage 5 · December 4, 2025

   

   Progress

6. Stage 6 · December 22, 2025

   

   Each painting has its own journey and process that we are invited along to participate in. Some take unexpected turns, sometimes resulting in complete wipe outs while a few seem to offer little resistance. A breeze from start to finish. For me personally the process tends to be very organic; sometimes chaotic, often changing things drastically in the middle of the painting’s development. (My lack of patience and methodology are to blame) For the sake of this composition I have changed the forward most figure three times with three different models. The last pose resulting in one that better reflects the energy of giselle; the ballet this piece takes its inspiration.

7. Latest · January 8, 2026

   

   Stepping back and viewing the bigger picture this week. Working with the painting in its frame and then without; moving my way around the composition without getting caught on details. Additions and subtractions… prepping for the final layers (veils, embroidery, flowers etc..) . What is the mood being created? What symbols / objects might be added to assist in the overall theme? Thinking composition and harmony first. Narrative and character must play within those borders just as the image and world is restricted to the dimensions of the canvas.