July 2010

"A Brief Glimpse "
48 " x 60 " (122 x 152 cm)
acrylic with mica chips and paper on panel

available
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There are a variety of acrylic pastes and gels used as a surface ground over a previously painted panel, which also had collaged tissue dress patterns over it. Once these pastes and gels were dry, several layers of washes, acrylic heavily diluted with water, were applied to integrate the variety of areas. There is a clear crackle finish in some areas creating an antique look.

January 2010

"Windblown Interior "
30 " x 26" (76 x 66 cm)
acrylic, charcoal and graphite on canvas
available
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This painting is on exhibit at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, January 30-April 11, 2010, for the Biennale Grande Exhibition.
It combines drawing with paint, using a monochromatic color palette. I prepared the surface by sanding several layers of acrylic molding paste until very smooth. This made an incredibly beautiful drawing surface receptive to drawing materials. I used charcoal and graphite to create most of the imagery, then added small amounts of opaque paint color in areas. Colored glazes were applied at the end for subtle coloring in areas to cut the white of the background. The wood frame is painted with Micaceous Iron Oxide, adding a beautiful sparkling reflective quality and a special finish to the work.

September 2009

"Koi and River "
60 " x 46" (152 x 117 cm)
acrylic on canvas
available
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Washes of acrylic paint are applied to an absorbent surface. Acrylic paint color mixed with pastes and gels are then applied in several layers. My new Workshop DVD demonstrates many of these techniques. Here is a link for more information about the DVD - click here

August 2009

"Wings"
35 " x 48" (89 x 122 cm)
acrylic on panel (with tissue, charcoal & butterfly)
sold

I painted this piece in 2002. Even though I have created a variety of work since then, it is now giving me inspiration for my next body of work. It's interesting that ideas can get recycled. This painting is about the idea of insect wings - translucent and light yet still strong. Butterfly and moth wings have gorgeous patterns using geometry and organic forms - not to mention the incredible color palette. I painted using many layers; pouring, collage, drawing and even added a real butterfly (who landed on my hand then died during a camping trip).

July 2009

"Where Dark Meets Light"
20" x 20" (51 x 51 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel
sold

This painting is very similar in process to the few paintings listed before on this page. These were all part of a series, and all used gold leaf as a first layer onto a rigid wood panel. Several layers of acrylic paint are applied over the leaf, and each paint layer is made transparent to keep some of the gold showing through. For transparency, glazes are created by adding generous amounts of medium to the colors. Paint is applied in washes like watercolor over acrylic paste that was put on in a few select areas.

June 2009

"Essence"
32 " x 26 " (81 x 66 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel

available

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In a similar technique as the painting shown before, gold leaf is first applied to a panel. Several layers of acrylic paint are applied over the leaf, and each paint layer is made transparent to keep some of the gold showing through. For transparency, glazes are created by adding generous amounts of medium to the colors.

May 2009

"Ocean Elixir"
20 " x 20 " (51 x 51 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel

available

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To create this effect, gold leaf is first applied to a panel. Several layers of acrylic paint are applied over the leaf, but each paint layer is carefully controlled to keep some of the gold showing through. To keep the paint transparent I used it as a glaze by adding a generous amount of medium to the colors. I also applied the paint in washes like watercolor over acrylic paste that was put on in a few areas.

April 2009

"Autumn Horizon "
20 " x 16 " (51 x 41 cm)
acrylic on panel

not available for purchase

Each step of this painting is demonstrated in my new DVD, due for release fall 2009. In this painting I combine watercolor and oil effects by using only acrylic. First a ground is applied to create an absorbent surface. Washes of acrylic are applied in several layers to create a soft, blended watercolor effect. This surface is then sealed with a gloss coat and acrylics are applied using gels to increase refraction and to simulate an oil paint look. The painting is finished with a satin varnish to even the surface sheen.

March 2009

"Ascension "
40" x 30" (102 x 76 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel
available
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Continuing my series with acrylic paint on gold leaf, this painting presents three central diamonds that emerge from an imaginary landscape of ocean and sky. My technique of applying acrylic on gold leaf is illustrated in my book, Acrylic Revolution. Here paint is applied in transparent layers to allow the gold to show through, much like a watercolorist keeps the white of the paper showing through multiple layers of watercolor.

February 2009

"Token of the Covenant "
40" x 30" (102 x 76 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel
sold

The gold leaf surface I first applied on this painting creates an illumination that inspires me to play with the paint in a different way. I enjoy the challenge to contrast, parallel and dialogue with the gold leaf using painterly techniques. Techniques include glazing, dry brushing, and applying paint with rags and other unusual tools. All these techniques are included in my book, Acrylic Revolution, North Light Books.

January 2009

"The Second Day "
40" x 30" (102 x 76 cm)
acrylic and gold leaf on panel
available
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I was inspired recently, reading the beginning of Genesis, the day before the Earth was formed, where waters were split into two parts – the Upper and Lower Waters, on the Second Day of Creation. Here paint moves in ripples in both directions, upwards and down from a “black-hole” horizontal strip, among a golden universal space. The gold leaf is applied on a rigid wood panel, then sealed to allow paint to be applied on top. Acrylic paint is then applied in several layers to create this effect.