Learn How I Complete My Paintings

Step into my studio where acrylics and oils come alive to create a specific message through layers, textures, and vibrant colors. -Margaret Lukasik

"My original one-of-a-kind paintings are designed to provoke a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere for personal enjoyment. Each piece found on my site was born from a specific thought, time or event in my life, so they all have meaning to me. It's my hope that each painting evokes a special feeling or reflective contemplation within the heart of each viewer. This page goes behind the scenes of my paintings to share the process for most of my paintings."

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A Celebration of Color

I choose colors that are bright, and that stand out from a distance. The acrylic wash is a highlight color. Next, I draw an outline of the scene or portrait in acrylic paint or pastel pencil. I use large brushes for much of the painting, and smaller for details. This helps me to capture the beauty and diversity of imagination.

Blending Brushstrokes

While I make brushstrokes, they are not as thick as those shown above. Parts of my paintings show blended paint, while other areas boast brusthstrokes. I use them to define parts of my paintings or color. However, I begin by choosing my palette and covering the canvas with an underpainting of acrylic paint.

First Layer Of Paint

I use the Acrylic paint for the foundation of the painting, and then I use oil paint to complete it. While I use a reference guide, but I don't always follow it exactly, except for custom work. This way I'm able to add spontaneous creative touches when I feel moved to do so rather than feeling tied to a specific scene.

Acrylic Underpainting

I usually begin painting in acrylics and complete the work in oil. My favorite acrylic paints are Charvin and Golden. I will either begin painting in layers, or use acrylic spray paint, ink, markers, papers, etc. Once dry, I begin the painting leaving parts of the background showing through the layers. However, once I begin using oil paint, I never use anything acrylic because it can cause the oil to crack.

Custom Paintings

I rarely add multimedia elements to custom paintings such as the one above, which I designed and recently completed, unless I am requested to do so. I use my normal process of acrylic and oil unless I have a special request. I use images and photographs or whatever I'm given to paint a realism painting or an abstract piece. It all depends on the client.

Drying and Varnishing

When the oil is dry on my paintings, I clean the surface with a Gamblin medium. I use the varnish finish that works best for the painting; gloss, satin or matte. I like to use a low gloss varnish for most of my paintings or a semi gloss. I also use gloss for small landscapes and whimsical paintings. I rarely sell my paintings with a frame, but there are times when a frame seems appropriate.

Painting Process

What materials do you use?

I work with high-quality acrylics and oils on canvas or cotton panels.

How long does a painting take?

Each piece varies, but typically I spend an hour or so layering and refining details with acrylic paint and letting it dry before completing the painting in oil.

Do you prepare the canvas yourself?

I sometimes prime my canvases, but many times I purchase cotton or linen canvases that have been primed with 3 coats of the high end gesso. However, before I begin, I paint the canvas with a light coat of acrylic paint.

Can I request custom colors?

Absolutely, I’m happy to mix colors to match your vision.

Do you varnish finished paintings?

Yes, I apply a protective varnish to enhance color and durability. I use gloss, satin and matte.

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