The oil paintings exhibited on this site have been created on a substrate of heavy weight
(400 lb. or 555 lb.- depending on ultimate size) acid-free mouldmade watercolor paper.
The paper is made by hand by Arches, a French papermaker since the 15th Century.
I coat both sides with two coats of acrylic gesso, which acts as a barrier to the oil paint
so it remains as archival as possible. The paper is then mounted permanently to 3/16” or
1/2” (depending on ultimate size) Gatorfoam board, a laminated foam panel made by
International Paper. This is a lightweight, but rigid mount. The center polystyrene is
sandwiched between veneers of exterior grade resin-impregnated LUXCELL (R),
making it
moisture resistant. The backing is attached
to a wood strainer
(framework)
which acts as an additional support.
process), is reinforced to reduce its fragility.
I use a rough textured paper, but more surface texture
is added with titanium and zinc white oil paint
and allowed to dry before painting with high grade oils
manufactured by Daniel Smith of Seattle, Washington.
I work with an alkyd medium, often adding a bees' wax
and resin mixture.
Glazing and scumbling techniques complete the painting,
working in stages, allowing each stage to dry
sufficiently before beginning the next.
Occasionally, metal leaf is added for effect.
PICTURED RIGHT: Detail of painting "Divergent Parade".
