Look at the subject and identify the big shapes then, using burnt sienna, rough in lines denoting these. Identify five to six shapes, but avoid detail.
This step is about organizing the composition of the painting over the surface of the canvas. In the photo you can see that six or seven big shapes have been identified. The whole canvas should look like puzzle pieces.
If, once you’ve done this, the paint is still wet, use a rag to pull off the paint from the lighter areas of the paint. To identify the lightest areas, squint your eyes at the subject. If the paint has already dried, don’t worry, you will have a chance later on to deal with the lightest areas.
