"Faces of Music - Johnny Cash"

I have made some critical decisions before this next step is taken and you must do the same. I have chosen my palette, warm tones and the famous hair style that Mr. Cash had is going to be the focal point of the painting. With these two decisions made I can start the underpainting and establish boundaries that will help me to execute this painting. I lay down a quick wash in alizarin crimson (maroon) where all the darkest of the darks will be. The background is washed in as well but my final color choice hasn't been made, so this will probably change at a later time. The lightest color of the vests and hair are also applied being careful that the highlights on the hair don't get too dark at this time. I have always said that watercolor is usually painted from last to first, go too far in the initial steps and you can't pull it off. It is very important as well after your large washes are applied and you have your layout that you remove as much of the pencil sketch as you can. It tends to become harder to remove after you lay washes on top of your sketch. I don't have any problem with your drawing showing through the final painting, but it does bother some people. Try to get to this stage and we will continue tomorrow. Enjoy!