David Bowie painting by Milena Milak (step by step process in pictures)

Hello Steemit!

Today I'd like to present my recent work - an acrylic painting of David Bowie (unfinished).

I find him a huge inspiration and absolutely love his music.
I've been planing to paint this portrait for some time now - I did the first, rough watercolour sketch in January (you can see it in some of the pictures)

I was taking pictures to show my painting process and technique. It's been few months without painting with acrylics so for the first hour or so I was quite confused... But shortly after "I got into the zone".

that's my workplace, it's all ready baby!

I first started with applying a layer of white acrylic paint (I like the effect of thick paint texture). After it was completely dry I did a very simple pencil sktech.

I decided to use blue when playing with skin tones. Looks a bit spooky, huh?

then slowly adding yellows and pinks and reds

After the face bit I started working on the hairstyle, first layer always looks very flat.

this dark spot was an accident while working! Got me really stressed, so hard to cover dark colours!

I've managed to cover it and could carry on with the background. When painting I usually divide my work into steps - when one of the layers is drying I can work on the other part of the paintings. Hence I first did the face so I could move to hair and then focus on the background. I love playing with textures and colours so the backgrounds in my paintings are usually just very expressive and abstract.

A shirt detail, first layer. I'll go back to it later. ;)

I didn't forget about two different eye colours

I love adding splatters, dry brush strokes, random dots and line. Basically I like my paintings to be messy. :D

and here's the shirt detail after I applied another few layers.

I haven't finished the painting yet, now waiting for it dry while writing this post for Steemit. :D
Once it's finished I will take good photos and upload them in a new post.

Hope you liked it and found it interesting!
If you have any questions don't be shy and ask! :D