When I am building up layers of a painting, I photograph each layer, and details I like from each layer. You can see a video comprising a series of WIP photos and videos in the Day 1 post.

Through this process, I am building up a library of images of my paint application techniques. I highly recommend doing this. Along with giving yourself a different perspective on the painting, it also allows you to reframe details as stand-alone images.

The image I have used for this post is a tiny fragment of the overall painting. Yet I think it does have the quality of a stand alone work. I also love the luxurious thick layer of reds and golds on the top layer. I can see where I have put texture into it, and where I have allowed the background show through. The thick white curve gives the image form. It is built from a mix of acrylic paint and texture paste, with a range of colours blended in. I can see how much this rises from the surface of the canvas. The contrast between the warm reds and the cool whites and greys works.

How I Organise My WIP Photos

My system may not work for everyone as it does involve some duplication, but it works for me. You might be able to achieve the same thing with tags.

I create a separate album for each completed painting. This includes the WIP photographs of layers and details, along with the completed work. If I use Canvy to create mock-ups of the painting hanging on a wall within a room, those photos also go into that folder.

A second grouping of albums is organised into albums for colour, texture, theme, style and medium. I don’t put all of my photos into this grouping. Just the ones I really love. Then I have a ‘go to’ library when I’m looking for ideas. I hope this is useful for you and your work.