MEDIUM/TECHNIQUE

In a sense, I consider painting a portrait as similar to handcrafting a fine piece of furniture.  It takes proper planning, materials, technique, tools and careful attention to detail. It also takes time to do it well, as you proceed from one process to the next. You need to let one layer of finish dry before applying the next, and you need many layers to get that deep rich quality.  

The medium I prefer to use is Alkyd oil which allows me to apply many coats of thin transparent glazes to achieve my ultimate result in a workable time frame - many more layers than traditional oils would allow me. Alkyd is a true oil that is faster drying and more durable than traditional oil. In a sense, it is similar to applying many coats of tinted varnish which adds depth and luminosity as each layer is applied. Although I do not want to overstate this depth and luminosity effect, I do believe it is an important technique, along with many others I use, to help me get a portrait subject to “come off the canvas.”  The end result should be the illusion of form and dimension.   This constant attention to creating dimension comes from my sculpting background – I call it “sculpting with a brush.”

Properly done, layering transparent color also helps to avoid dulling or muddying of colors, and maintains the brightness of the picture and luminosity of the face.