From Sketch to First Layer | The Ravens Hour (My Darkest Painting Yet)

After my last painting The Robin and the Pomegranate (40x40 cm), I wanted to explore something larger, deeper, and much darker in mood...

In this video, I’m starting my new painting The Raven’s Hour — a modern take on the Vanitas theme, inspired by the old masters but painted in my own signature style.
This is the first part of a 3-part vlog series where I take you behind the scenes: from gathering objects and building the composition, to sketching and painting the first layers on canvas.

The painting features symbolic elements like books, dried leaves, and a raven skull — all telling a story about time, life, and beauty in decay.
Join me as I share how this idea came to life, how I plan my compositions, and how I build up the first layers of paint in a realistic way.

If you love old master techniques, realism, Vanitas art, or watching detailed painting processes — you’ll enjoy this series!

👉 Subscribe to follow the journey of The Raven’s Hour and see the full painting come to life in the next parts.

🎨 About the artist:
I’m a contemporary painter inspired by the old masters and the natural world. My works combine animals, symbolism, and still-life elements in richly detailed, atmospheric scenes.

📍 Part 2 will focus on painting the books, flowers, and skull.
📍 Part 3 will feature the star of the show — the raven itself!

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