BORBAY

Commissioned paintings always begin with a concept. This piece was based on a series of photographs provided by the client. However, we quickly ran into an issue: there wasn’t a clear picture of the racer. Fortunately, knowing the subject, I phoned him and scheduled a photo-shoot for “an advertising campaign” – the painting was a surprise present, so I had to get creative.

It began with an inspiration palette, including photographs, books on German and Italian Design, with a splash of Kandinsky.

To get the desired composition, I made a quick collage – the full painting process after the jump.

All set up, some warm lighting and a blazing hot fake fireplace.

A quick sketch to establish the major, off-center picture break to ensure the composition would work.

A quick layout continued to establish the picture.

Starting with a red/orange under-painting to establish a complimentary-contrast.

Bringing in some warm green, beginning to create the scenes foliage.

A round of electric blue, eliminating the whites and further establishing the picture’s color balance.

Charging into the background and beginning to create details with a muted, warm purple.

A reflective pink, beginning to define plains and spacial awareness.

Some blues, marking the sky, ground and assorted highlights. The sign was inspired by an Italian artist, who creates conceptual signs.

Dueling across the color wheel, a deeper orange makes its mark.

The ever-important darks, beginning to define the main subject, as well as Trump Tower in the backdrop.

Refining the sky, highlights and balance – getting close to the finish line.

A grassy green to compliment the tonality of the image.

And the final, a man on his bike racing through Central Park towards his identity, and away from work.