My Thought Process Behind the Creation of “Reflection”

I am sometimes asked to illustrate the stages that I go through in creating a painting and lay out my thinking process as it develops. I will try to briefly explain my creative thought process for my studio painting, Reflection.

I first stare at a blank canvas in terror --- EEEK!!!!
Just kidding! I usually come to the canvas with a composition in mind and maybe a few reference photos. Then I lightly and quickly sketch the horizon line and any major features in the painting. I don't like to delay since the energy is flowing --- so I quickly get into painting. I usually begin with the sky. For me the sky sets the mood of the painting; especially in a sunset. I lay in some basic shapes and colors and adjust them to my liking.

After a few rounds of creating a basic sky, I move to the ground or in this case, water. My intention was to capture the reflection of the sun and sky on the calm harbor water so I laid down some basic colors, which will be adjusted later.

I actually enjoy experimenting right on the canvas while I provide indications of the cloud reflections. If I don’t quite like it, I change it -- one of the benefits of using quick-drying acrylics. I then add a few layers of tinted glazes on the water to give it the shiny water-like appearance.

I move on to details of the shimmering reflections of the sun and the appropriate cloud reflection positions. I want to provide a painting that looks real but I don’t want to make a copy of a photo. I try to combine realism with impressionism.

Lastly, my eyes told me that I needed a lighter blue sky reflection on the water, so I adjust the colors and add more glazes. And, I now have a finished painting.

Reflection by Alan Zawacki - 24"x36" acrylic on gallery wrap canvas

I hope that this little show and tell provides some insight into my painting process and the birth of a painting. Reflection can be purchased from my website: Alan Zawacki Fine Art

Have a great remainder of the week,

Alan

Stay Happy and Healthy Through Art

Whether your summer has been balmy or a bit of a washout, or your job has left you tired and frustrated, a peaceful seascape or landscape painting is an ideal way to transport yourself to a sunny happy place. Soothing memories of nature, vacations and adventures come flooding back. 

With all of the chaos and unpleasantness of current world events, I find that only strengthens my calling to create calming, nurturing and rejuvenating paintings that allow people to positively visualize, relax, reflect, and enjoy in the comfort of their homes. I gravitate toward creating uncomplicated, peaceful settings that, for some people, may also have a spiritual element to them; they certainly do for me.

Cruz Bay Sunset by Alan Zawacki

We think in pictures. Visualization or mental imagery is a very powerful human tool. We can visualize ourselves into happiness, health and accomplishment. We can also visualize ourselves into depression, illness and failure. It’s amazing how accurately and effectively the mind works through visualization. What we focus on the majority of the time will eventually materialize in our lives -- good or bad.

Relaxing on the living room couch and gazing up at a peaceful painting after a hard day also delivers a dose of feel-good endorphins throughout the brain. What a great way to daydream yourself into relaxation -- visualizing yourself in that beautiful and serene location. It can be better than an end of day glass of wine or martini. OK, that may be stretching it a little; but not by much! Maybe, have a glass of wine and gaze up at a peacefully glorious painting.

Morning on the Beach by Alan Zawacki

I'm thankful that I can play a small part in this theater of human mind over matter with my tropical seascape and landscape paintings. They comfort me and my hope is that they also comfort others.

Low Sun on the Water by Alan Zawacki

Have a happy and healthy week,

Alan