The following are process photos with descriptions of various pieces I have completed. I hope you enjoy watching the slideshow progressions and learning a little about my technique.
“Texas Ranger”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-15.png)
Photo for my set up for this piece, looking for more of a close-up view than some previous ones.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-16.png)
Starting my sketch, laying in shapes and positioning.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-17.png)
Decided to change up proportion on the rifle barrel, after adding in spurs and wrist cuffs.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-18.png)
Final sketch with all pieces and in detail.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-19.png)
I usually try to start adding background colors first.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-20.png)
Laying in basic colors.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-21.png)
Adding in a few more basic colors and a starting to add a few details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-22.png)
Adding more detail for the hatband, rifle stock and cuffs.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-23.png)
Laying colors for the stripe on the saddle blanket.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-24.png)
Today my focus was to add color and basic detail for the spur straps.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-25.png)
Blocked in the red and grey stripes and added more detail to cuffs, spur straps and hatband.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-26.png)
Started to add color to the rifle, spurs and more overall detail.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-27.png)
Here I have tried to show more detail to everything throughout the piece. Also added some basic shadows.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-28.png)
Working with light and dark and adding shadows by glazing, I have finished all my details and calling this one complete! Thanks for coming along for the ride on “Texas Ranger”.
“One of the Good Guys”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture1-300x300.jpg)
This was how I envisioned the set-up and the look I was trying to bring to the canvas.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture2.jpg)
Here I have the detailed drawing and look I want for this one.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture3.jpg)
There were many steps as I started to block in some color and a few details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture5.jpg)
I am adding blocks of color and bringing out more detail as I move around the canvas.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture7.jpg)
Making leather look real is something that takes time and patience.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture8.jpg)
Each layer adds contrast and more detail.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture9.jpg)
The finished product! Many hours spent getting to the point where I am satisfied. This is what I wanted!
“Behold When I Knock”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture18-225x300.jpg)
Initial pencil sketch.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture19.jpg)
Blocking in color and a few details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture20.jpg)
Adding some additional color and shapes..
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture22.jpg)
A few more details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture23.jpg)
Have blocked in basic colors and enhanced shapes, shadows and more detail.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture24.jpg)
Giving the piece some definition and character!
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture25.jpg)
More detail, definition and shadows.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_409,h_545/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture26.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture27.jpg)
Calling this one done! Still on the easel for drying for a couple of weeks.
“Nighthawk”
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture30-300x225.jpg)
This is a wide view of how I set up my pieces in the studio, trying to get the right lighting and angles of how I want the final work to look.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture31.jpg)
As before, I try to draw in details and how I want the piece to look.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture32.jpg)
Black backgrounds can sometimes be tricky, so I blocked it in before I started.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture33.jpg)
I begin laying in some basic colors.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture34.jpg)
As I move around the canvas, I add different shades and colors and begin to add details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture35.jpg)
I am mainly interested in blocking in more color and shading at this point, but also begin to add details.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture36.jpg)
Here I want to determine what color/shade to paint the table. I try to vary how each item in the set up looks when painting to complement colors, shades and shadows. Lighting is always important.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_463,h_347/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture37.jpg)
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_462,h_346/https://www.garycheathamart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picture38.jpg)