Summer Belinda
60x80x4cm
Framed size 62x82x6.8cm
This painting is part of a new series of still life created for my solo show " A Sense of Self"
Objects preserve a wealth of significant emotion and connection, serving as physical embodiments of identity. Their narratives project a sense of self while sharing stories of lives lived in other places and times. They hold a physical representation of experience, speaking of familial ties and the story of who we were, who we are, and where we have been.
I have the compulsion to fill compositions and fill surfaces with marks and texture, it's a throwback to my textile training. This piece felt so much more spacious, so apparently my compulsion can be overcome.
I painted this piece on our western veranda. It's a perfect space for summer mornings. The vase sits on a simple white painted table which was gifted by Belinda before she moved back to NSW. It had been her children's change table and then became her laundry table. I have used it in the studio, as a desk in the green room and currently, it's a breakfast table.
Summer Belinda
Frame
Framed in a custom, hand-produced, meranti (hardwood) float frame for a contemporary aesthetic which complements any interior.
The frame is hand-constructed, sanded and waxed in the studio. A wire is attached to the rear of the panel with brass d rings and is ready to hang
Please note the framing images are for reference only so you know what to expect.
Panel
I paint on custom hand-constructed ply panels, known as a cradled panel, I prefer a wood surface to canvas. I can paint on canvas for commissions if you prefer.
Construction : 3mm ply surface plus 42 x 19mm 1.2m DAR Pine for edges
The panel is gessoed with 3 coats of white acrylic paint to seal and create an even painting surface
Finish
Acrylic paint is notorious for drying to a flat dull surface despite being super shiny during application. I apply 3 coats of gloss acrylic medium with 24 hours between coats.
The gloss medium enhances the colour, texture and layers.
Beeswax is applied with a cloth for a soft satin finish. The wax is stable even in a Queensland climate.
Please note my paintings generally have a smooth profile without impasto technique.