The Painting Process

Inspiration: The creative process starts with a spark of inspiration about a subject which could be either a physical object or an emotional feeling towards a subject. My love to the environment and nature through what I see around me, inspires me. The subject matter that I choose is usually a place or object to which I relate. Painting the landscape helps me to relate to my inner love for science and nature. The landscape subject matter is of places where I've been to. While traveling I might simply do a quick sketch either in pencil, watercolor or oils accompanied by a series of photos trying to capture the subject at that moment in time. Depending on the situation I occasionally paint on location at least the initial stages.

Materials: For all my work sold on this website I use high quality canvas, paints and other materials. This is part of my commitment to guarantee quality and longevity of my artwork to clients. Most of my works are in oils on canvas or linen (stretched or attached to boards).

More information about the canvas and linens I use is found here:

Caravaggio Italian Canvas and linens www.salersas.it/eng/homepage.htm
Claessens Belgian linen www.claessenscanvas.com/en

All paints I use are of a professional artist grade. I use a selection of brands depending on the pigments used by manufacturers. My palette selection is based on knowledge of these pigments in order to ensure stability and longevity. Brands I currently use include, Michael Harding, Williamsburg, Blue Ridge Oils Old Holland and Gamblin. 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 (6 months) I apply a permanent protective varnish that is archival but removable if needed (Gamvar). Another advantage of using this varnish over more traditional ones is that it does not yellow with time. If an oil painting is sold before six months two layers of retouch varnish are applied. Varnishing always gives the painting protection from any environmental factors (including UV) that can damage the paint or stability of the pigments.

All materials used are guaranteed as archival. My scientific background helps me a lot to constantly research what is available in the market and new products. However unless evidence is given that new products are better than previous ones I always adhere to the traditional methods of painting using traditional materials that have been time tested for hundreds of years.

Watch part of the painting process above