I have decided to start creating some collage posts like this. Showing how each portrait develops which may give more of an indication of how I work.
I always tend to work from left to right. It’s always been the most logical way being that I am right handed. Usually 9 out of 10 times I do the background first. I may not get the background finished but in enough that enables me to better judge my values and gives me a base colour to work on. I can then if required re work the background if needed.
For acrylics I often adapt the background and re work it with the airbrush. I did this with my Giraffe painting I am currently working on between commissions. Being able to work with the brushes and then the airbrush over the top create such a nice soft and realistic look.