Here are the steps of my new painting "The Chase"
The first step is a black and white sketch, very rough, just to establish the composition. I often try to place main objects in a scene following the rule of 3ds, this gives balance and harmony to the picture.
Next step is refining the shape and form. I made the ship on the left more white, to show that he is away from the ship in front. It is the rule of the air perspective. I also refined the sky.
I dodged the ship behind a bit more, like he's in the thin haze. Then i started to detail the sea. I wanted the light to come through the waves to give the water that wonderfull inner glowing. I studied reference photos of the wawes to understand the physics of the sea water. Notice how i painted reflections of the ship on the left side.
When i finished the main forms i began to add ropes, small details, flags on the ships an some damage signs. I also made a splash in front, like a cannonball hit the water, added smoke.
I colored the painting using several layers in overlay and multiply modes. And that's all.
