"Bessamer" 36"x 60" polished cement and dry pigment on panel
abstract mixed media art
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Polishing the surface of my work
I have always been concerned with surface, the way light reveals textures and colors as it is viewed from various angles. Matte verses glossy, smooth verses rough. One of the major reasons cement appeals to me is the fact that it's surface can be polished. I have experimented with many different methods, dry and wet. I don't want to end up with an overall mirror like surface, I would rather create subtle variances that create interest and character. I discovered that if I let the surface cure for a few days, it becomes hard enough to hand polish. I get great satisfaction rubbing the surface with steel wool and watching as details are brought to life before my eyes. When I use mechanical polishers I loose most of the control of what is emphasized and what is not. I prefer elbow grease and hand pressure, it lets me get more personal and intimate with the work. Steel wool is followed up with beeswax, to bring out the colors, and a final buffing with paper towels. It is slow hard work and is usually only visible when viewing the original.
Below are some detail shots using reflected light, in an attempt to show what I am talking about.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Serendipity
"Serendipity" 30"x 43.5" cement & pigment on panel
It never ceases to amaze me how best laid plains never seem to work out, but if you are open to them, "happy accidents" can really generate exciting new directions in your work. If you show up and do the work and are prepared to learn, you will. This piece did not go as planned. At first I was surprised and disappointed. I won't bore you with details about technique, but suffice it to say, the result was something I could not have planned or foreseen. I believe that the evolution of my work is mainly the result of many of these serendipitous occurrences compounded over time. My advice, keep accurate notes.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
First Successful Piece in 2013
"Falling Into Place" 30"x 35" polished cement & dry pigments on panel
I have been going through a painters block since before Christmas. I have had a series of dismal failures, but now I think I finally got my mind right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)