This particular artwork proved to be quite challenging due to size of the figures. The heads are quite small compared to the rest of the painting.Painting pupils the size of a felt-tip pen takes a quite steady hand. Copy and original as comparison below.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3wtcHcBg6z6iK2TW7HqDJAwIOrePEjMMkw9yO_sY2On0kz2g_z5Kn4Tqr_IR-NLZk6r2ZbX8lRnIIqMUh8YwYdJwowwUytBoxt7J-zYHg8UpgryIHZUng48Vlxn0SP0fu9rnieRnQrHt/s400/comparison.jpg)
Before I start painting, I analyse the source picture and original photos that were used in the composition. Then I paint the heads first as they are the most important and also tricky part.I start with mapping out the black areas such the hair and eyes with black ink.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJU4oaxkrmFbwgaAD8kmswbCNOHKxSREGznZMn_BRKdE99ib-P8JYLcaKztFT4qsqN2MBfO_Tv61Har4AHCD9I181iAEX9G2ug-wMEOgjnl3n9W1fJSfP2I3eeM1uuTi291BWcSuy6sXT/s400/1.jpg)
Once the heads are painted, I map out the light and dark parts of the bodies always starting with the components that are furthest back in the image to ensure seamless overlays with the front elements.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-cuEAZeJd5wDZAOIziK0yATUZ_mI5teA8T1Ar5HgluomR0AubI6GL0ZfRqtqd0rJ02HaMSZGwiUqIuinXQp6HiAMr9RwBzS_JFwNkLRsyz0sRlNkK48X_mPY2zLBg1G8cPeHEnUOyrjU/s400/2.jpg)
Then follows the water. I admire McGinnis for his approach of mixing finely detailed elements such as the faces with broad and loose strokes for the water - and it works perfectly.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9LWj2WUgt2oqlGOp-vXlY2RVJ7wBFULR66VsMJRo5gJTyJllKcBJ15kjphXEY5C_ri03VYFRiA4rQtvJMQfMlVy0RQ1-A_yRu7hFFCBdofyMEDLiRlo_Nmr0IEoEwN7RvjSA2086f0Cy/s400/3.jpg)