![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/20f6b4a8-81d1-4c77-b509-756f8fcad0ba/18c40b37-4815-4e7d-ba45-43d0a424c9d8_rw_1920.jpg?h=ffdae1a2d21f393277e47186bbc7b0de)
Before we had kids, I'd take on commission work for friends and family. The above painting was done for my friend Andrea Wherry.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/20f6b4a8-81d1-4c77-b509-756f8fcad0ba/1665dfe8-b626-4cf0-9ded-5f4a95bc85fe_rw_600.jpg?h=bb4b3b5c388a5358eb1f7f7ff31382a1)
This process began with scouting out the residence / location and taking lots of photos. Above is the main reference photo.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/20f6b4a8-81d1-4c77-b509-756f8fcad0ba/7bd0d225-f582-482b-b2f9-8691188dfdfe_rw_600.jpg?h=acfc22d0e642d35265c48eede5842ffc)
The initial sketch based on the photo (taped above sketch).
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/20f6b4a8-81d1-4c77-b509-756f8fcad0ba/2831b4a4-8d0b-4f96-8a9c-a1ca0c037bec_rw_600.jpg?h=56ac06e5eed1d21dd5b6fd0602ca15f3)
The underpainting is a critical layer for any watercolor.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/20f6b4a8-81d1-4c77-b509-756f8fcad0ba/6dcecba3-b7fc-4497-b7ac-5beb0cdd123d_rw_600.jpg?h=b6fb93bd15a980551c27b3a0ae700327)
Darker colors were then added prior to adding the final details.