A Work in Progress: Top Gear, Final Lap

Finally on the home stretch! Detail on the tires and wheels have to be very exact. I once had to paint a wheel three time until I got it right! Luckily, I got this rear wheel right the first time. Once I got the elipse right for the wheel and the hub, I started with blocking all the negative spaces.

Painting an orange wheel with many spokes was a challenge! As I work I also check the accuracy of the image by viewing the painting in a mirror. By the look of things, this one went through without a hitch! Now on to the much smaller front wheel and and a few more details. Watch for the checkered flag coming up soon!

A Work in Progress, Part 5

Hard to believe it's been over two months since Bugatti's last update! Right now we're all overloaded with family obligations, holiday cheer and, of course, work. Since it's been a while since my last post, here's the Bugatti as we left her in October:

Fortunately, lack of updates on my blog do not mean lack of progress with my art:

In addition to the image above, I've added two others that span one day's progress. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to have the luxury of spending one whole (relatively) uninterrupted day with my art - obviously, one very productive day just being IN THE ZONE!

As a realist, details are the essence of my approach to my art. When someone first views my work, I want them to see what I see. When Bugatti is finished, I want you to look at it and see not only the fluid lines of this exotic automobile, but the details that make this car a classic.

In this series of images you can see that I've started to incorporate the bottom portion of the Bugatti detail. I'm creating the distinctive shape - subtle changes within the orange, more red, more yellow and a little white, with a contrast of blue and black for shading. Along the rear end of Bugatti you can see that I'm beginning to incorporate the reflection of the clouds, at the same time, defining the shape and color of the rear deck.

A Work In Progress, Part 4

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Since my last post, the Bugatti  is taking shape VERY nicely. A little time has passed since my last blog, so I'm posting an image of the painting as I left you a couple weeks ago as well as an updated image (below). In this image, the background and foreground were fleshed out, creating a setting for the subject. The stage is set!

I've been an artist all my life, and I love every aspect of it. But all artists have their own special subjects, the ones that really jazz you to keep moving, to bring that particular subject to life on the canvas. You can tell by looking at my website, Marc Jones Studios, that I'm inspired by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and its wildlife. But you've probably also noticed that I have a passion for sports cars...exotic sports cars. And NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF!

I love the challenge of a new shape and giving it a bit of myself. My goal at this stage is to integrate a literal reflection along the side of the Bugatti. Black is

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

probably the hardest 'color' to paint realistically. I've used large amounts of deep ultramarine blue to temper the black. This gives it a transparency which is great  for such a definite subject. As I work towards a realistic reflection of the subject's surroundings, my intention is to set the Bugatti apart and make it jump off the canvas.

Let me know what you think! Your thoughts as you note the progress, questions or comments. I love to hear feedback! Meanwhile, check out the rest of my art at Marc Jones Studios

A Work In Progress, Part 3

As progress continues on the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, I've expanded and finished the background. Although 'finished' is a relative term for an artist. Today's 'finished' may end up being tweaked (most likely) or completely reworked (not often, but it happens). The landscape has been further developed with more details. Sometimes the changes are very small, but as work progresses they become a subtle, but integral part of the the overall painting.

The most noticeable change is the addition and definition of the foreground, a tiled surface on which the subject (Her Majesty, Bugatti) rests. Along with the tiled surface, I've added the necessary shadow for the subject. You may also notice that, as the foreground and background develop, the outer edge of the sketched Bugatti detail becomes fuzzy. The delineation will become more crisp as the subject is developed...

Stay tuned, and for more images of my finished gallery of works, please have a look at Marc Jones Studios

Tale of a Work in Progress

As an artist (and now a blogger!) I've always enjoyed involving others in the process of creating a painting. Of course, this is MY process, and it's what works for me. Although I value and appreciate your feedback, my purpose here is not to show anyone the right or wrong way...just MY way!

My muse for this piece is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the sleek, sexy, super-EXPENSIVE Super Sport Model of the Bugatti Veyron. The $2.4 million beauty is powered by the same 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine, tuned to deliver a total of 1200 HP with a top speed of 264 mph. That ought to get you motorheads salivating... 

These two images are the painting in the very early stages to give you an idea how the process unfolds.

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In the image above, you can see the body of the car is already sketched in the foreground. The background is starting to take shape as I gave the sea and sky a grey-blue wash. I want the viewer to feel the excitement and power of this awesome super car so I sketched in a single bolt of lightning, pointing toward the Bugatti. Further development takes shape as....

...in this photo you see I've fruther developed the background.. I've added trees on the right side to provide visual interest and also to balance the background. You can also see the negative space of the shape of the car as the background meets the subject. Additionally, the landscape continues to develop as it defines the edge of the pavement.

The tale continues! Stay tuned! As always, find my website and my portfolio at: Marc Jones Studios

Welcome, Friends!

Welcome to the premiere of my new blog, Marc Jones Studios!

All of my artwork and full bio can be viewed at my website,  Marc Jones Studios. In the blog I'll feature select pieces and discuss a little of my inspiration and a behind-the-canvas view.  It will always be on the lighter side because I want my art to be accessible and enjoyable to everyone.

Stay tuned for updates on works-in-progress and upcoming events. Let's have some fun!