Welcome to our studio in a behind the scenes preview of the creative process in action.

We recently received a commission to create a table with whatever subject matter we would like to do. The table itself was a 48" long vintage coffee table circa1950s.

Jellyfish make for great illustrative interpretations with color and shape and we had included them as secondary elements in other pieces. We decided to make it the primary focus on this very large format. Working together we alternate back and forth on various sections of the table until both of us determine that it looks just right!

ABOVE: The first step was to sketch out the bare bones structure of the jellyfish using a soft white pencil. Intense highlight areas were strengthened with white acrylic paint.

ABOVE RIGHT: Kathleen airbrushes soft white tones on the jelly to give it a 3D effect.

The final painting! Now completed, a final coat of gloss polymer is applied to protect the art. The thick reflective coat also gives the illusion of peering at the creatures underwater.

ABOVE: Once the jelly has been painted with an undercoat of soft whites, then Jim airbrushes transparent colors over the body of the jellyfish.

RIGHT: After the jelly is completed, then fine details like the stingers are added using metallic paints with a standard tiny brush. Pearlescent paints are lightly brushed on the dome which will reflect the light and impart a glimmer effect.

Follow us on INSTAGRAM where we post coconuts as we finish them along with other art projects.