Ever wonder how those dreamy, layered forest scenes by Megan Aline come to life? In this behind-the-scenes peek, Megan walks us through her unique process—from the first brushstroke to the final varnish. Whether you're an artist looking to try a new technique or simply a fan of her work, this step-by-step breakdown offers a glimpse into her creative world.
Step 1: Building the Background
Megan begins each painting by creating a richly textured background using acrylic paint from @oldhollandcolours. She applies the paint with high-quality brushes from @princetonbrush, which allow for precision and expressive strokes alike. The surface she paints on? A smooth, archival Gessobord from @ampersand_art, which provides the perfect base for layered media.
Step 2: Prepping for the Forest
Megan lightly dusts the painted panel with a thin layer of powder. This helps ensure smooth adhesion for the next layer: vinyl. Without the powder the vinyl will often pull off the background layer of paint. She uses Museum low-tack vinyl from @orafolamericas, which she has pre-cut into the outline of a human form.
Step 3: Painting the Forest
With the vinyl masks in place, Megan begins painting the forest scene. She starts with acrylic paint to build structure and depth, then adds oil paint over top for richness and dimension. This combination of media gives her landscapes their distinctive luminous quality.
Step 4: Sealing + Pealing the Magic
Once the forest is complete and the paint is fully dry, Megan applies a final coat of Gamvar varnish from @gamblincolors. This not only protects the painting but also enhances the colors and depth of the finished piece. Lastly, with all of the paint dry the final step is the most rewarding, pealing the vinyl. Megan removes the vinyl layer leaving behind the beautiful silhouetted shape of the figure.
Studio Vibes
While working, Megan immerses herself in stories that spark her imagination. During the creation of this particular piece, she listened to multiple episodes of White Lotus and the audiobook The Women—both of which, she says, were "incredible." The ambiance they created helped shape the mood and energy of the work.
Inspired? Try incorporating one of Megan's techniques into your own creative practice—or simply let her process deepen your appreciation for the layers of meaning in her art.
Want to see more of Megan Aline's work? Follow her journey @meganaline on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes looks, works-in-progress, and finished masterpieces.
