Have you ever left your studio in the night and come back in the morning and realize something has changed. In 25 years painting in my studio I have had very few incidents of insects eating egg tempera icons. Apparently insects have dinner at night, and they like eggs. Certainly they are not eating earth pigments not much taste or nutrition, perhaps a good bit of toxins to boot. I do understand a bug has to eat. Flies were my first encounter and came with an easy solution. Be careful not ... Read More about Insects eating Egg Tempera Icons
Christ Sees Us? if we look.
It is quite possible in my mind that spirit sees us. Perhaps it is our ancestors or even family members. Hindus believe in past lives, people see their grandmother at the foot of the bed when death approaches. Painting so many images of Jesus for 28 years has prompted me to imagine Christ Sees Us? if we look. Image has been central to all religions, its membership needs color shape and form to reflect on. Contemporary Christianity is seeking wider audience in an expanded sense of how we see ... Read More about Christ Sees Us? if we look.
Ampersand Clay Boards and Icon Painting
I remember the day I discovered Ampersand clay boards, it was in an Art Supply store in Miami. That was 25 years ago. I was 5 years into icon painting; specifically traditional byzantine style icons in egg tempera. I realized quite quickly, if I was going to enjoy icon painting I would have to give up the ' Art ' of preparing the boards for icon painting in a traditional way. The process may be rewarding work but applying gesso to a solid wood board requires a certain mind set. The gesso ... Read More about Ampersand Clay Boards and Icon Painting
PENTECOST, FILLED THE WORLD WITH SPIRIT
Christians celebrate Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Easter, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and brings the church into existence. It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to pour out his Holy Spirit on all flesh, empowering diverse people to exercise divine power. The moment of Pentecost, filled the world with spirit, and opened the gates to begin a new era for humanity. Gazing at an icon generates insight into the Church’s understanding of the ... Read More about PENTECOST, FILLED THE WORLD WITH SPIRIT
Painting with Dry Pigments
What Dry Pigments of Color to Use? The paint used in egg tempera, is actually ‘million year old’ stone, finely ground into powder and suspended in an egg/water emulsion. Dry Pigments are sandy particles which settle on the flat surface of your board, finding their own rest and natural condition. We use ground stone from all around the world, minerals, metals and oxides, that each has their own integrity and behavior as they dry. As the Dry Pigments sets the water rises to the surface and ... Read More about Painting with Dry Pigments
