I build my own frames. For "Ariel's Treasure" I made a deep frame that will end up what is known as a "Gallery Wrap"

I stretch my canvas by hand using a canvas stretcher I've had for over 20 years.

I've stapled the canvas on the back side which leaves the sides nice and neat. Here I am trimming away the excess canvas.

Once trimmed I spray the backside of the canvas with water and rub it in. This shrinks and tightens the canvas.

I spend so much time doing the blue pencil sketch that it would be foolish to try and draw it again onto the canvas. Instead I scan the original pencil drawing and convert it to grey scale and have it printed onto the canvas before I stretch it.

Before I start painting I wipe the whole canvas down with linseed oil.

I start by blocking in the background.

I chose a bright blend right down the middle of the canvas.

Here I have the whole background covered.

Then on to the characters starting with Ariel.

I'm mainly blocking in color. I will go back and add detail later.

Next up is Flounder. "That tickles!"

I like to work back to front so Sebastian will have to wait.

Detail of the treasure chest. I will go in and add wood grain later.

Now for Sebastian.

Looks kind of crabby to me.