PROCESS
This page shares a brief description of each stage and then a gallery of images showing how the artwork comes to life. I am absolutely more inspired by the process of making things than the actual outcome.
HIGH-LEVEL FLOW
At a high level, I typically follow a three-stage process: draw, treat paper, and then paint. There is a lot of stuff that happens in between though.
STAGE 1: DRAWING
The first step is to develop the pencil and ink drawing. This usually first involves an under drawing in pencil that will not appear because it contains mostly guiding lines. Finally ink is applied, which is typically Indian ink or even permanent marker.
STAGE 2: TREATING PAPER
The second step is to stain the paper with tea and apply an egg wash. I like to do this after the drawing and inking stage so that erasing lines does not wipe away the nice sheen of the egg wash. I drink black tea, so that's what ends up in the tea stains.
STAGE 3: PAINTING
The last step is the most time consuming and rewarding stage because you can see the pattern come to life. I explore different kinds of paints but watercolor and gouache are my favorites so far. I also tend to look for luster, especially gold.
PROCESS IN MOTION
This gallery shows the evolution of many drawings and paintings. Cinnamon, my furry sidekick, is often present.
RECORDINGS
These videos show live and in-progress creations.