My Latest Project - Finding Grace 2026
My friend and fellow pilgrim, Rocco Rossi, is just completing a fictional novel based on the Camino de Santiago. He has walked various routes of the Camino 23 times since 2001 and he has a deep connection with the Camino. I was thrilled when he asked me to read the early drafts of his book. I've read four versions, each one better than the last. The novel is titled "Finding Grace" and is a wonderful story about one man's journey of self-awareness and transformation.
Reading the novel from the earliest draft was an honour itself, but now I've painted the cover image for Rocco's novel. What a thrill! Having walked the Camino four times myself, this project is very near and dear to my heart. Each brushstroke brings me back to the places along the Camino I've walked , the people I've met, the friendships I've forged and the personal journey of transformation I've experienced. In total, this project took about 40 hours to complete over a number of weeks.
1. From the reference photo Rocco provided,, my first step was to sketch the painting and make sure the key elements are well positioned and well proportioned for the final cover sizes.
2. One can never have too many paint brushes. Each brush size and style accomplishes something specific. Sponges and even a toothbrush are important tools.
3. Colour selection and organizing my palette is a crucial step to set the proper tones, ensure contrast in values, and set the mood for the piece. For this piece, Paynes Gray, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, and Titanium White were the basis for the sky. Paynes Gray, Dioxazine Purple, Quinacridone Purple and Titanium White were used for the Milky Way. Titanium White and Cadmium Yellow Medium were used for the stars. Cadnium Free Orange and Cadmium Yellow Medium formed the morning skyline. The foreground colours were a mix of Paynes Gray, Raw Sienna, Burnt Umber, Hookers Green, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White.
4. Blocking in and getting the background set is an important step, even if it risks painting over the original sketch of details such as the two characters and the arrow. I always work from large to small, and background to foreground. The key is to never try to get it all done in one sitting. Layering is a key step.
5. Once the background elements are completed, then my attention and focus becomes the foreground. In this case, painting the two characters and getting their gestures and proportions right was my priority. Getting depth of shadows while retaining value contrast is tricky with this time of day.
6. Working the details is a pleasant if even a bit of a painstaking process. Putting in detail in some places while leaving it out in others to the observers imagination is a tricky balance. I've even placed some of the symbolic messages from the book in certain places (difficult to see on the image). In the end, though, the final piece captures precisely what I intended.
Bonus: While walking the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims get a passport or "credencial" stamped each day at places they have visited. These range from cathedrals, albergues, restaurants, and hotels. This is a testament to having walked the route. When one arrives in Santiago de Compostela, they present their stamped credencial at the pilgrim's office where they will receive a "Compostela" or official certificate of completion. Rocco asked if I would design a personal "sello" or stamp for him to use when signing his book. Here it is.