This painting originated as a sketch in my sketchbook. The general layout and concept seemed fit for a more detailed contemplation...so I decided to re-envision it as a digital painting. First I introduced the sketch as a multiply layer in PhotoShop. I develop a general color scheme by placing colors into their own individual layers...this gives me greater control if I need to make corrections. After introducing shading and highlight layers I flatten the image and start painting over it...to give it a more "painterly" feel.
I try to keep some vestige of reality by using references as often as possible... this and lighting guides me the most through out the process.
You can view the original sketch in my gallery.