I do plan ahead of time how to proceed with this type of painting, with so many realistic elements. However, the execution is an evolving journey, and sometimes I have to change course a bit. In this case, I have gone ahead and started in with the frogs’ details, including the blacks. I know I’ll have to go back in to add more color and texture to the main, large vine later. That will be a challenge, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I just didn’t think I would be able to properly judge how dark or detailed to go with the vine until I could see the frogs just about finished.
The center of the painting – the main character and focal point – is the basilisk. I’m predicting that he will be the final element to be painted, but perhaps I’ll change my mind about that, too!