The Making of a Masterpiece: Winds of Change Phase 1

Winds of Change
Washington at Valley Forge, March 4, 1778

When searching for a defining moment of the Revolution, I always think of Washington at Valley Forge. I had painted the Father of our Country a number of times, but never as a major oil painting at that time of our nation’s War of Independence. Finally the opportunity came when a good friend of mine wanted to know if I would be interested in painting George Washington. His only stipulation was that it be colorful. I leapt at the chance. – Mort Künstler

Mort draws preliminary sketches in order to come up with his concept, the right angle, perspective, etc. After Mort has settled on the composition, he draws a final charcoal sketch on a piece of brown paper to help him indicate lighting effects (top). Take note of the grid he has drawn on the sketch in order to help him transfer the sketch directly onto the canvas (bottom).