how to paint a bookcover

I am going to take you, my dear and humble reader, through the steps of painting a book cover from beginning to end. This book cover is the Brooklyn Bridge with fireworks for the ambassador yellow pages.  


1) Always use Strathmore illustration BOARD! The surface of strathmore board is made by angels, painting on it is magic. You do not even need to gesso it! My favorite first step is to use burnt sienna acrylic and to paint on a 45% angle very neatly and with just enough water to keep it smooth and transparent. DO NOT get goopy or blotchy--let the paint flow..sorry the photo is blurry, it is 4:48 AM and I am working away while you are sleeping with visions of sugar plums. If you have a beautiful underpainting it is like having a battle that is half won. You are napoleon returning to france from elba for great victory in art! This is double the size that it will finally print, for printing I always work larger, it just looks better to work larger. Art is like brain surgery except not as important and easier and if you mess up, no one dies or winds up a mumbling turnip except your career. Onward young art warrior...step two come soon..be strong and brave and soon you can quit your day job slicing bologna and make art for a living like gardega does.

 2) step two: trace your reference photo or drawing with tracing paper.

3) step 3: Being careful at this stage saves you time later.

4) step 4: Masking tape is great for layout purposes...keep edges clean not sloppy.




5) step 5:

Here I have added some darks to create my base for the structure.

step 6: Although it is a little early to add any lights, it helps my brain to get a feel for the whole picture. Technique wise, this is running before walking..highlights and details should never be added early on.




step 7:

the fireworks can be used to define the bridge from the backdrop...dark and lights are very important