Photographs, Drawing, Poncif, Color sketch on canvas, Final Egg tempera on board

 

Photographs
I take various photographs in order to choose the best composition, lighting etc.
Drawing
I do a very detailed drawing of the subject, usually in red and black chalk. This drawing is in full size of the painting. If necessary, I also do a separate detailed drawing : hands for a portrait.
Poncif
I then trace the drawing on to tracing paper. From the reverse side, I make pin pricks over the lines, which will enable me to pounce with powder charcoal in order to transfer the drawing.
Color sketch on canvas
I make a color sketch with oil paints.
Final Egg tempera on board
Having prepared the board, I place the poncif (tracing paper) and start to pounce. The tracing is carefully registered on to the gessoed board. Then, I can rough in the composition freely with egg tempera and reposition the tracing paper as many times as required to get the details.

From left to right : Drawing - Rough in oil - Final Egg Tempera on panel