Artist Isabelle Bryer Shows How Her Paintings Develop, From Idea to Finished Piece

Once in a blue moon it happens: you sit in front of your easel with in mind a clear idea of what you will paint. From the pencil sketch to the final "fignolage " (ugly french word meaning "last touch ups") everything goes in a perfect linear way, no hesitation, no struggle, et voila! Done.

Well this time it wasn't meant to be. I wanted to paint a two-headed mermaid but it took several nose jobs, different hair textures or tail color changes before I was finally satisfied with the result. The important part is to keep on going and trust the process: the painting is in there and will appear if you have patience and try just a little longer.

- Isabelle Bryer

Click on the picture gallery above to see how the painting develops.

And click here for Patch's interview with Bryer.