Last year I discovered John de la Vega's website. I won't go into how much I love his paintings.

http://www.portraitartist.com/delavega/index.html

I was mostly intrigued by his backgrounds. Being the bold fellow that I am I simply e-mailed him and asked my question. I got back a wonderful response which I keep and refer to often. The following (he was generous with a stranger so I don't think he would mind me sharing this) is the response I got back: [quote]Re backgrounds: you

John de la Vega
 

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.