Project 2276: Study for a Painting: Mexican Boat Boy

This version of my Studio Journal in-progress reports is for Premium Content subscribers. This page gets the updates first, and includes materials not available in the Public and Members-Only versions (like timelapse videos). As a paid subscriber, you also have the option of putting your name on a list of those who will be notified first, and have first options to purchase, when a Project becomes a finished work of art.

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The updates below are in reverse chronological order, so the most recent is on top. To start from the beginning, go to the bottom of the page.

Report 5

Project 2276: The Painting is Complete!

January 17, 2026

The artwork is complete! Thanks for following the creation process of “Mexican Boat Boy.” The finished work has just been added to the Collector Preview Gallery. As a subscriber to the Simonson website you have access to this gallery and a limited-time option to purchase this artwork -– just click on the button below.

Collector Preview Gallery
Report 4

Project 2276: Third and Final Painting Session

January 16, 2026

In the third and final painting session, I spent a lot of time working on the body–it’s a challenge to make it look rounded and three-dimensional when it’s almost all in shadow. I also finished the water in the foreground, then did some final touches here and there–and it’s done!

 

Report 3

Project 2276: Second Painting Session

January 14, 2026

In the second painting session I did a lot: I worked on the middle background (the boat, some surf) and the foreground (the water), as well as beginning to add some color to the figure.

 

 

Report 2

Project 2276: First Painting Session

January 12, 2026

The first painting session started with an acrylic wash. Then I began at the top, working on the colors of the background. There are a lot of pieces to this composition, with lots of different colors, so I’m focusing on one area at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed.

 

Report 1

Project 2276: Study for a Painting: Mexican Boat Boy

January 10, 2026

I’ve just selected a photo reference for my next painting, but since it’s a pretty complex image, I want to do an acrylic study first. I’ll begin that in the next few days.