Here's a glimpse at my process:
When starting a commission, I spend as much time as it takes in the sketchbook process. If a client knows exactly what they want, great! I'll use the sketch phase as an opportunity to lay out the pose and choose colors. If not, that's what the sketch phase is for!
Once we've approved a sketch, I'll lay out the reference image we're working from in photoshop and place a grid over it. I'll print out a version with the grid and one without so that I can make sure that everything will be in the right place and nothing important will be covered up. I then tape my watercolor paper, mark out measurements, and lay down a matching grid that I then use as a reference to draw the image as accurately as possible. This is the most important part, so I take my time on this step!
Once we've approved a sketch, I'll lay out the reference image we're working from in photoshop and place a grid over it. I'll print out a version with the grid and one without so that I can make sure that everything will be in the right place and nothing important will be covered up. I then tape my watercolor paper, mark out measurements, and lay down a matching grid that I then use as a reference to draw the image as accurately as possible. This is the most important part, so I take my time on this step!
Once that's done, it's time to get some paint down. If there's a background, I usually start by painting on a sealant that will protect the areas that need to stay white. Then it's full steam ahead!
I try my best to get the background done all in one so that there are no strange edges from new layers of water and paint. While I wait for it to dry, I might go ahead and start establishing some of the darkest areas of the painting. This part takes some time because when working with watercolors, I like to take my time building up shadows and highlights by using lots of layers and gradually getting darker. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the size of the painting.
I try my best to get the background done all in one so that there are no strange edges from new layers of water and paint. While I wait for it to dry, I might go ahead and start establishing some of the darkest areas of the painting. This part takes some time because when working with watercolors, I like to take my time building up shadows and highlights by using lots of layers and gradually getting darker. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the size of the painting.