In this blog post, I’d like to share a look into the making of “Del Sol,” a painting that merges storytelling, texture, and natural light into one unified canvas. My goal isn’t just to present the final artwork, but to open a window into the decisions and methods that shaped it – offering practical insight for collectors and fellow creatives alike.
Concept & Vision
“Del Sol” began as a study in contrast and clarity. I wanted to experiment with an isolated light source – something that would illuminate the figures in a natural, almost sacred way. This became the foundation: a warm beam of sunlight piercing through a cavern, revealing a quiet moment between mother and child. The title, “Del Sol” (“of the sun”), came early on. It represents not only the sunlight entering the cave but the symbolic light embodied by the child – the “son” as sun.
I introduced the child as a new element to my body of work, adding a layer of narrative and emotional structure. The figures are not overly defined, but their posture and placement suggest a quiet bond, captured in a moment of stillness. Surrounding them, the mineral-like textures evoke layers of the earth, holding memory, warmth, and hidden wealth.
Color & Texture
One of the practical goals with this piece was to achieve a more refined, luxurious color palette that still felt grounded and organic. I worked with shades of ochre, mars orange, champagne, and turquoise, balancing warm and cool tones in a way that felt both harmonious and radiant.
Texture was key. I worked extensively with palette knives to sculpt geological forms – circular shapes reminiscent of geodes and sedimentary layers. The surface was layered intentionally, building up natural irregularities to create depth and a sense of age. In some areas, I used dry-brushing and smudging techniques to transition between realism and abstraction.
Lighting & Chiaroscuro
A large part of this work was inspired by chiaroscuro, a technique from the Renaissance that uses contrast between light and shadow to create depth and focus. I didn’t aim to imitate the Renaissance literally, but to imply it – letting the warm light carve space and intimacy into the cavern scene. This contrast helped anchor the realism of the figures within the abstract environment.
Documentation & Process
Throughout the creation, I documented each stage – from the original color studies to outdoor shots of the finished piece. These reference images allowed me to make confident adjustments and also serve as valuable content for collectors who appreciate understanding the process behind a work.
For this painting, I also took the opportunity to photograph the final piece in natural coastal light. The surrounding environment echoed the textures in the painting itself, making it a strong visual fit for both print material and promotional use.
Practical Takeaways
Lighting defines mood. Isolating a single light source early in the concept phase gave the composition a built-in structure.
Texture can hold the story. When figures are minimal, texture does the storytelling – layered, tactile, and full of organic rhythm.
Color studies are worth the time. The miniature canvas next to a coffee cup wasn’t just a warm-up; it clarified the palette and direction.
Documentation is part of the process. Strategic photography elevates a piece long after the last brushstroke is dry.
“Del Sol” is now available as an original artwork. If you’re interested in viewing it in person or learning more about the purchase process, visit the Shop or follow me on Instagram @isabelladelsol_ to find out more about the behind-the-scenes process.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
– IsabellaDelSol