Gait [beginning sketch on canvas]

A few people have asked me about my process in starting a figurative painting. This photo is an example of step #2 in my painting process. Step #1 is to prepare the canvas with a thick coat of gesso mixed with the highlight and shadow tones that will appear in the painting. Next I sketch the figures using one color. I usually do this with either a dark blue or burnt sienna, as shown here. I rough in the background and then the really fun part begins.....COLOR.