STATEMENT
OF TECHNIQUE
Following is a description of the
techniques and materials that I employ.
First of all, as one can probably
tell, I rely heavily on photographs, both digital and slides. Once I have decided on a subject, I may take
as many as five or 10 photos from different perspectives and at various times
of the day to find the best possible composition for a painting.
When I have selected the proper
photo, I employ the use of an opaque projector or a slide projector. I seldom spend more than five minutes drawing
the image on a panel; I use the projector to establish reference points. Although I rely on the projector, I don't use
this device for all my paintings.
I look on it as a useful tool that is primarily a time saver.
I must emphasize that I do not try
to depict everything as it is in the photo.
Invariably I make changes by adding something or subtracting something
to enhance the overall painting.
After the projection, I begin a
careful drawing using the print as a reference.
I have found "col-erase" colored pencils to work quite well,
but on occasion, I will employ a 6H graphite pencil. As the drawing progresses, I will either
leave out or add things that I think will enhance the drawing.
My palette includes:
titanium white mars
orange
unbleached titanium cadmium yellow
ultramarine blue cerulean blue
alizarin crimson zinc white
burnt umber
As a medium, I use only turpentine
or "turpenoid". I use a
variety of small synthetic brushes (#
I try to paint "alla
prima", that is, to get everything right at one stage, but occasionally
I'll have to come back, glaze over, or change an area.