July 28, 2014

Viewpoints; starting a new series of artworks.


With all the experiments I've been doing in the studio I'm filled to the brim with new ideas and as usual, I dream big. My ideas are for several whole new series not just individual pieces which means I have my work cut out for me :)

My work has always been strongly influenced by my love for photography. When I create my photo montages I usually merge multiple photographs together to create one image. But while I'm working on this, I always run into photographs that would work best on their own. Until now those photographs have always been put to the side to be buried beneath heaps of images of buildings and streets and that has always made me sad.

But now I have found a way to show them some love and integrate them into my work. I've decided to create a series titled "Viewpoints" and in this series I will use images that are strong enough the be stand on their own.

Like most of my pieces these new paintings start on my computer. I pick out the image I want to use and manipulate the exposure, contrast, vibrance and saturation until I am satisfied with the result. Then I prepare my panel, first with sizing and Gesso and then with some layers of underpainting, giving it a base colour and texture.


I then use the direct transfer technique to transfer a large size print to my panel on top of the under painting, giving the piece a layered effect. This is a very physical and delicate process that requires patience, a delicate touch and quite some endurance, and that usually results in sore and sometimes bleeding fingers.

With the transfer done I will go in with acrylic paints and glazing mediums to add several layers of colour and texture until the piece is finished, at which point I decide on a glossy or matte finish. This finish comes in the form of 6 layers of high quality removable varnish applied with ample drying time between layers. 

For now "Viewpoints" consist out of multiple smaller pieces on different sized un-cradled wood panels as well as two 36"x24" full sized paintings. But I will be working on 10 more full sized paintings in the upcoming weeks, so keep an eye on this page for updates!

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