[Figure 1.8] Adjust the colors to enhance contrast.

8.            Finally, I go to Effects, Tonal Control, Adjust Colors and reduce the Saturation and Value for more contrast. See Figure 1.8.

[Figure 1.9] “Urban Sci-Fi Concepts” final image.

9.            In the end, I’ve got two different scenes with similar moods. See Figure 1.9. Doing two helps me compare various aspects and see what works and what doesn't. The next stage is to further refine one of them, or perhaps mix the best elements from both, and come up with a new third concept.

"Late Afternoon."

Insights
The Creative Process
My initial thought process is actually quite short; I prefer to get paint on the "canvas" straight away. This way I can evaluate what is good and what is bad. I try to be as rough as possible and work in zoomed-out views — black and white is usually the way to go, although desaturated colors follow closely. Once I’ve found an interesting picture, I resize the canvas to the final resolution and start adding detail without losing my initial concept. It is important for me to take regular breaks so I can evaluate what I have done so far. These breaks also include a good night sleep, which means that when I have the time, I take between three and five days to complete a painting. The more visual breaks I take from the painting the better, because they help me to spot flaws when I come back. Seeking feedback from peers is critical also, because it points out flaws I overlooked and hardens my skin for clients.

Another key thing is to constantly refer to the works of artists I admire. I have a big folder where I keep all these gems, and it is one of my most prized assets. First, I search for artists whose technique and content will help me for a given assignment. Then, during the painting, I try to refer to several works by different artists so I don’t become too attached to a particular image.

I use Painter both for my initial conceptual process, where a lot of gestural brushstrokes are involved, and in the latter stages where I need to smooth out some areas and reintroduce texture in others.