As an example of the technique I use to paint a classical portrait, I show the process for a customer’s pet dog named “Roo”.

	My first step is to compose the portrait. My customer sends me a number of photos, and we work together to choose the best representation of the subject. (I do prefer working directly from life, but that is not always practical.)
	My second step is to draw the composition on the canvas. I do this with graphite, which I affix with turpentine. After that dries, I block in the basic tones with thin washes of grey.
	My third step is to paint the grisaille – the underpainting done is tones of grey. I create a faithful likeness of the subject, gradually adding form and detail over many sessions. I balance the tones, anticipating the effect of the color glazes applied in the final step.
	My fourth and final step is to apply thin glazes of color. I begin with pale glazes as I adjust the relationships of the colors, and over many subsequent sessions I increase the intensity and vibrance of the colors.