copper added to artwork

Posted on August 17th, 2009

this photo is a fraction of the treated copper recently added to my painting that I have been blogging about here. The client has asked for this significant metal to be added here. I am for the first time using this metal in a work of mine. I began the metal process by taking a piece of sand paper to the copper finish getting rid of the original protective coating on it. Then it was inserted in a acid bath and left with rusted objects on it that I have found on my walks for a week. I did peak at it within the week adding or adjusting the rusted metal pieces to make sure the whole piece was getting treated in no planned way. I like after a week to open up my container and be surprised at all the lines and shapes that have appeared in the process. I then cut into my foam core with a matt knife being careful to take out one level of foam core and watercolor paper. I want the metal to become “one” with the composition of paints and added collage. By inserting it and then gluing it I assure when I start to paint over it a continuous flow in my subject matter. The biggest challenge I have found working with so many different elements in my work is to get them to work together as “one” in my painting. This can be my biggest challenge. I will be on vacation this week and away from the studio so this painting process blog I will continue in a week. My blog though will continue with photos and observations on LA and my series on “graffiti”. So please continue to check for blog updates on my site for these postings. I hope everyone reading this takes a moment to give me some feedback or questions. Artists need to hear what you about their ideas. So leave some comments so I do not feel alone out here.