Before the colours arrive, there is a quiet beginning.

A finished painting can look effortless when you see it hanging on a wall.

But every painting begins long before the first brushstroke.

For me, preparing a canvas is almost like preparing a little space for an idea to come alive. It’s slow, simple, and perhaps a little messy — but it’s one of my favourite parts of the process.

01. Starting with the canvas

First, I make sure the canvas is clean, stretched properly, and ready to work on.

I like taking a moment to look at the surface before I begin. An empty canvas can feel intimidating, but I also love the possibilities it holds.

At this point, there is no wrong direction.

Just possibility.

02. Creating the foundation

Depending on the piece I’m working on, I prepare the surface with the appropriate base or primer.

This gives the paint a better surface to work with and helps create the foundation for everything that comes afterwards.

It’s not the most glamorous part of painting, but I think the foundation matters just as much as the final details.

03. Finding the mood

Before I start painting, I usually have an idea of the colours and feeling I want the piece to carry.

Sometimes I have a clear image in my head.

Other times, I only have a feeling.

Warm. Dreamy. Moody. Playful. Quiet.

I let that feeling guide the palette.

04. The first marks

This is my favourite moment.

The perfectly blank canvas isn’t blank anymore.

The first mark can be exciting — and slightly terrifying.

Once the first few strokes are down, the painting starts telling me where it wants to go. I may have a plan, but I also like leaving room for the artwork to surprise me.

05. And then… we begin

From there, the painting becomes a conversation between me and the canvas.

Layers are added. Colours change. Details appear. Some things stay exactly as planned, while others take an entirely different direction.

And that’s the magic of it.

A painting isn’t always about controlling every step.

Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to let the artwork breathe.

The beginning matters

By the time you see a finished painting, you might only notice the colours, textures and details.

But underneath all of that is a quiet beginning — an empty canvas, an idea, and a willingness to see where it takes me.

Every painting starts with a blank space. I just get to discover what happens next.

— Dana