Prepretory Sketch

In preparation for a new painting I snapped some images of sycamores around Asheville.  This is one of many, many, many. 

I did several sketches from photos like this one to work out the composition and tonal balances.  Then I placed a 2" grid over the sketch with blue pencil.

From there,  I placed an 8" grid on a 48x48" canvas and started with a sepia outline.  More to come as it progresses.