Notes on Painting

A Painting Series is defined primarily by chronological integrity. That is, the group of work is painted all together in a specific time frame. Each Series is patterned on previous series and is a continuation of basic concepts —Human Perception of the Natural World. Each new series generation incorporates the DNA of previous, at the same time evolving in technique, method, and style. My search for expression is ongoing and fluid. I do not begin any work with a plan for the finished painting.

I build a group of canvases on plywood panels then begin working on all the paintings in that Series at the same time. I continue working from one piece to the next, beginning with rounds of spontaneous drawing (charcoal). Initially, I systematically go from one painting to the next in an “assembly-line” technique.

As the drawing stage concludes I apply oil paint in layers, again moving from one work to the next in turn allowing for drying time. This technique encourages continual innovation and variation in the process. Each individual image evolves in its own way, while ideas about color, structure, and iconography transfer between paintings with variations.

I watch each work, asking “where does the painting want to be.” “What is the space in the real world that is echoed in the artwork?” I look for the path to completion, anticipating the point where the painting reveals its “true self.” The work never fails to demonstrate the vast chasm between initial effort, inner vision, and final expression.

A Series of 10-12 large canvases might take a year to finish. Oil paintings can take a year or more to completely dry.

All the oil paintings are painted on premium #12 cotton duck canvas stretched on a 1/4 inch plywood panel frame and primed with sizing glue and gesso. The image is painted over the edges on the sides and a traditional frame is not recommended. All work is signed on the edges of the canvas. A brief “catalog document” is affixed to the back of the panel.