MY PROCESS

I generally begin my piece by drawing the form using charcoal, graphite or permanent pen. I often use collage papers, modeling paste, markers, art crayons and spray paint. This gives me the depth I’m looking for in the painting. I then cover the white canvas with thin oil washes and bring in some darks to define the form, using subtraction to pull out my highlights.

“When I start a painting, I enter familiar territory within me - guided by instinct, reflection, and the thrill of revealing myself to the world.  It’s an adventure of the soul, where color becomes my compass and a new me is unearthed by each brushstroke.”

Karin Giannini, Professional Artist

I work slowly at first, twisting a large brush to create a variety of movement on the canvas. When bold color and deliberate brushstrokes are on my agenda, I crank up the volume of my favorite playlist of 90’s Booty Rap, Pop, and Classic Rock. The energy of the beat is what I’m after in order to bring that same energy into my brush. Peaceful AND strong, like the women I paint. If I start twerking, it’s all over! Nobody wants to see that! By afternoon, I slow my music choices as I study my pieces for the story I want to tell; making a list of any adjustments I’ll need to make the following day.

I paint daily in a large studio attached to my home. My husband built me an eight foot easel so that I can have several pieces going at once. As I begin to paint in the morning, I like to play gentle, soothing music to warm up my brushstrokes and my heart. I talk to myself, which is not unusual, and I dance while my three year old Maltese chases tiny tennis balls around my studio. He likes me to bounce the tennis balls on the floor really hard so they bounce all over the place. The little dude likes to push the ball under something to bring my attention to him. I’m thankful for my long handled brushes!