I forgot how much fun glazing is and what a great effect it achieves.

I have been trying over the past few months to break myself of the traditional oil painting mold. My old style was very meticulous, detailed and anal. My goal with my latest series of nudes was to look at the painting as a whole and focus on the feelings they emote and the textures the painting creates. In other words to loosen up my style and create something that is more “art”, rather than a duplicate copy.

I have now returned to portraits with the inspiration from mom’s Vietnam trip. I am integrating traditional techniques with my new found looser style. It is an interesting dichotomy because I am trying to create character portraits with detail but still a loose flowing style. My answer? Turpentine glazing!

It is taking a while but the textures and colors emerging are very exciting. Its fun to see something emerge under your hand – its almost like I have no control, like I am the conduit through which my art is born.

what a wanky statement!