Mediums and Techniques

Not long ago, I was able to purchase a container of water absorbent ground so I could prepare the canvases personally. After completing several canvases, it occurred to me that this same process could also be applied to a panel. Painting on panel is not a new concept. In fact, artists utilized finely sanded wood panels long before there was such as thing as canvas. I purchased some acid-free wood composite material (it will never crack or warp like the original wood panels). I cut it to size and began to apply the ground. After many coats and a lot of sanding, the first panel was ready for paint. It felt like ultra-fine sand paper and the paint adored it. I began painting using the same techniques I had used on the canvas, but soon found myself using richer blends of opaque pigments and stiffer brushes. I began to employ different forms of water based mediums to the work (acrylic and tempera). That's mixed medium now. The first work was a small still life, which I had not done in years, entitled "Kitchen Lace." After the paint had cured, I gave it four coats of UV glaze. That's a pretty smelly process. When it dried, it was electric! The detail, the crispness, and the color density were remarkable. I was hooked! This is probably no revelation to anyone accustomed to painting on panel but to this old watercolorist, it's a pretty big deal! As of summer 2008, I have completed 11 panels. The process is long and extremely labor intensive, but the end result is definitely worth it. I currently have sketches and drawings for over a dozen new panels with the hopes of a solo exhibit in the near future.

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