Creation begins with a spark that turns into an idea. The initial spark is serendipitous and random. Developing the idea is anything but. It is a painstaking process of research, thinking, sketching and visualising. What does he want to say? Composition, mood, tone and colour palette? What technique will be used? These and many more questions are carefully taught through before a single brush stroke is taken.
Like any professional artist, Ignacio’s studio is full of books and other reference material. But these days his iPad and its more than 15,000 reference images are an ever present companion. To read more about what inspires Ignacio go to the Inspiration page.
The painting Kyrios from sketch to finished painting.
Sketching is part of the research stage and the bridge into the first physical manifestation of the artwork. When he has a good idea about the medium and technique he wants to use and prepared whatever base he is creating on, the composition starts to take form on paper. Those sketches are then re-created on the medium to be used whether it is paper, canvas or board.
The composition is by no means final yet , but it is far enough along for him to start applying paint. This is, of course, the stage where the artwork comes alive and the artist shows his mastery. Sometimes all he needs is a few well placed strokes. More often, it is layer upon layer of carefully applied paint to achieve the desired effects. For a non artist it can seem a bit like magic.
As the layers build and the finished painting slowly emerges the artwork enters its final critical stages. Too much adjustments now and the painting can be killed. Just enough and an average painting can become extraordinary. It can be both tears and jubilation.
When the final brushstroke is done the days or weeks of drying starts. When it is ready a good artist will apply a coat of varnish to protect it from dust and moisture. If desired it will then be framed before reaching one lucky owner.