Author: Diana Lee

I begin my paintings by stretching my own canvases. Pre-stretched canvases can be purchased but I enjoy the ritual of stretching my own. I then coat it with acrylic gesso. I have been told that I am not a painter of paintings, but rather, a painter of drawings. I usually spend most of my time and energy on the drawings. When the gesso is dry on the canvas and the drawing is complete, I transfer the drawing to the canvas. I do this with graphite paper. The drawing is with pencil so when I transfer I use a ball point pen retracing the pencil lines. This way I can be sure I don't miss anything. Photo: The initial sketch or drawing

After the picture is transferred to the canvas I paint it with watered down acrylic paint. I will either use complementary colors or a color I feel will give the painting life and vibrance. When the acrylic is dry I paint in thin layers with oil paint. Photo: The "underwash" or initial coloring

I mix all my own colors from eight basic colors. Cadmium Red, Alizarin Crimson, Ultra Marine Blue, Pthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Zinc Yellow, Zinc white and Burnt Umber. I usually know exactly what I want. That doesn't mean I get exactly what I want , but I know what I am aiming for. I leave myself room to allow the painting to dictate it's own needs . Sometimes you must allow the painting to paint itself.   Photo: The finished painting

I make my palettes out of a piece of cardboard about 12 x 16 covered with freezer wrap paper, shiny side up. I can work several paintings at one time this way.In between painting rounds I cover my palette with plastic wrap. This will keep my palette workable for up to a week. I usually don't need any more time than that.I pre-mix my palette. Every color or color variation I will use is pre-mixed.

Diana Lee Factoid: "When I paint I hold the canvas in my lap, I don't use an easel. When the canvas is large and I need to paint the top half I turn the canvas upside down. Then paint upside down."

Self portrait, Diana Lee

Diana Lee is an accomplished professional artist who works in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and scratchboard. She is a contributing editor to WetCanvas. For more information on Diana, or to view her online gallery of works, visit her web site at www.dianalee.com. She can be reached via email at diana@dianalee.com.