I have just returned home after my latest trip to Italy, where I studied once again at the Angel Art Academy in Florence, in a bid to improve the more technical aspects of my work. The methods of the Old Masters from the Italian Renaissance through to the French Academies of the late nineteenth century have always fascinated me, so where better than the 'home of the Renaissance' to undertake further studies in these techniques.
'China Blue', unfinished, oil on canvas 50cmx70cm
This year I was able to set up my composition with objects carried all the way from my own studio, and this still life concept is the first in a series of new works which I have already begun in ernest since returning home.
The methods and procedures used in this technique are very involved and time consuming, often taking between six to twelve months to complete a single painting. The process begins with canvas preparation and setting up the composition, both of which have many technical considerations in themselves. Next comes the sight-size drawings and transfers, before moving into the many painted layers, using a mixture of glazing, toning and opaque application of paint. The paint is mixed with a variety of mediums which are 'home-made', mixed in the studio using the Old Master recipies, and vary from layer to layer. Even some of the paints are hand-mixed from dry pigments! Although it sounds exhausting I just love the overall finish that this method gives to my work, and I hope that anyone who sees my work enjoys them as much as I have enjoyed painting them!
