John de la Vega's approach to backgrounds

[Morris Darby]

Mike, I discovered John's work also last year and I think his approach and finished work is as close to what I'd like to produce as any in today's market. I put together a notebook of reference paintings (full color) of people's work (including several of his) I really like. When I get stuck on a background or hair, or am trying to capture a style, I go to the notebook and find a "fix".

So far it has worked well to keep me going.