The Painting Process

Inspiration: A spark of inspiration for a topic—it could be a tangible object or an emotional reaction to a topic—begins the creative process. My love for the environment and for nature is inspired by what I observe all around me. Typically, I chose topics that relate to a location or object that I have some connection to. Painting the landscape enables me to connect with my innate love of nature and science. The landscape imagery is inspired by locations I've visited. When I'm on the road, I might just make a quick sketch in pencil, watercolour, or oil and take a number of photos to try to capture the subject at that same instant in time. Occasionally, depending on the circumstance, I paint on location.

Materials: I only use high quality artist grade canvas, paints, and other supplies for all of my artwork that is sold on this website. This is a part of my promise to clients to ensure the quality and durability of my artwork.

My scientific background and knowledge helps me to understand the chemistry of these materials to take informed decisions about my choices.

The majority of my works are in oils on linen or canvas that is stretched, loose, or mounted to boards.
More information about canvas and linens I use is found here:
Caravaggio Italian Canvas and linens www.salersas.it/eng/homepage.htm

I only work with professional artist-grade paints, consisting of pure pigments and linseed oil. Depending on the pigments used by manufacturers, I use a variety of brands. I choose my palette based on my understanding of these pigments to ensure stability and longevity, hence the paints I use are all in linseed oil and lightfast.

Watch part of the painting process above

Brands I currently use include, Michael Harding, Williamsburg, Blue Ridge Oils Old Holland, Rublev and Gamblin. To ensure quality I also prepare some paints myself. All paints contain a high pigment content and are blended in linseed oil that gives the strongest adhesion to canvas when dry.

Brushes I use includes a selection of handmade brushes by Rosemary and Co

When the painting is completely cured, a protective layer of varnish is applied. Varnishing gives protection from environmental factors (including UV) that can damage the paint or stability of the pigments.

Every material used is assured to be archival. My scientific knowledge enables me to continuously investigate new products on the market. However, I always adhere to the classic methods of painting using conventional materials that have been used for hundreds of years, until evidence is provided that new products are superior.