Painting Process: "The Hidden Perils of Augusta National"

Hole 12 at Augusta National Golf Course is one of the most iconic holes in all of golf. I added a twist to this iconic hole by hiding a Sasquatch lurking under the Ben Hogan Bridge.

It all starts with a sketch. I spend at least a week drawing the piece in detail, which serves as guidelines for when I begin painting.

Once the sketch is complete, I begin painting, starting with the sky and the furthest background greenery. As I build up detail layer by layer in the greenery, the backdrop of Hole 12 gradually begins to take form.

Next up I add in the foreground greenery and bushes, the grass around the 12th green, and the iconic sand trap. At this stage, the whole far side of Rae’s Creek is done!

Then I paint in further foreground elements like the water, and I begin on painting the bridges with the smallest brushes I have. I start by painting the “grout” lines that separate the stonework.

I then paint in the surrounding stones on the bridges in varying shades of lighter and darker.

It’s a long detailed process, but it’s definitely a satisfyingly tedious and fun step!

I also add in the Sasquatch under the Ben Hogan Bridge as I am detailing the stonework.

Sasquatch lurks under the iconic Ben Hogan Bridge and holds a shag bag – a tool used to pick up the golf balls of unsuspecting golfers. Wading in Rae’s Creek, the Sasquatch is hidden in the shadows and easy goes unnoticed by most, but he is an essential part to bring this painting to life. My own interpretation of one of the most famous golf holes of all time.

I finally add in the near side grass and it’s done!

Check out this video below to watch the process of this piece as it comes to life!

Prints of “The Hidden Perils of Augusta National” are available in my Etsy shop at canvas, gicleé paper prints, and greeting cards.

UPDATE:

Golf fans will appreciate this - in August 2021 (5 months after completeing the ‘Hidden Perils’ painting) Fred Couples signed a 16x20” canvas print of it during Seattle’s Boeing Classic tournament.

Fred Couples famously won the 1992 Masters tournament at Augusta National - clinched with a memorable shot on Hole 12 itself!

Fred Couples also grew up playing at Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle - where I got to meet him in 2015. And, Couples is also an avid art collector himself.

I currently have the prized signed print on prominent display at home.