Three Painting Styles Developing in the Studio

Three Painting Styles Developing in the Studio

by | Jun 10, 2022 | Abstraction, Cold Wax and Oil, Nicholas Wilton

Over the last few weeks I have working on three different series of paintings ongoing in the studio. Find these three styles on the Latest Work page. I’ve separated them out so its easier to see the three styles.

The first is the Cold Wax method of painting, which has been on hold for the moment. I plan to revive this style either before or during a trip to Mexico with well known cold wax painter Jerry McLaughlin in October. These paintings are on the small side due to using a substrate of wood panels, which can be heavy. Some painters use museum quality heavy paper which then has to be glued to wood.

The second is the curvilinear series of large paintings using acrylic and mixed media. I have about five made, two of which have been sold. These paintings are inspired by the work of Claire B. Cotts, who I have been following and actually viewed her work in Santa Fe this past November. See comment on these paintings by noted arts writer John Koch in the REVIEW/BIO page.

Lastly, Inspired by the drip technique of Nicholas Wilton, I have been experimenting with acrylic on larger canvases. I have three done and another in the making. These are thrilling to make because you don’t know what you will come up with each time. Similar to what Gerhardt Richter says in the Netflix movie, you just react and keep going until it looks done.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a haven for artists

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a haven for artists

by | May 5, 2022 | Arts, Cold Wax and Oil, Travel, Workshops

I’ve made plans to travel to San Miguel de Allende in October for a 5 day workshop with Jerry McLaughln, master of cold wax media painting. (https://www.jerryscoldwaxworkshops.com/) Yes, I’m looking forward to getting up at the crack of dawn, stumbling out to the breakfast room for coffee and breakfast made by cheerful Senoritas and hurrying to catch the bus to the studio. In the evening. I’ll ramble around this artsy town full of galleries, artisan shops and restaurants. Maybe I can meet up with my friend Genevieve for a hike at dusk. Such bliss!

Ex Pats are all over the place. Even Jerry, who several years ago organized his first class there, decided to move to this small town three weeks later. He’s renovated a studio for his classes and opening a work residency for artists this fall.

I’m taking the beginning class because I have been going my own way with cold wax since 2019. There is a lot more technique to learn and I hope to be able to apply that to larger boards when I return. For more on what cold wax is, see my previous post here.

Three Painting Styles Developing in the Studio

2022 Shows in Spring and Fall

by | Apr 10, 2022 | Arts, News, Newton Open Studios, Photography, Shows

Coming soon! Newton Open Studios is heralding Spring this year with a show May 21 and 22 throughout the town. With over 190 artists, find me and ten other artists at New Art @ Trio, 245 Walnut Street, Newtonville, a well-lit large gallery space, corner of  Washington St. 11 am to 5 pm both days. We are on the second floor accessible by elevator. 

Date still to be announced is the second annual “Pop-Up Art Sale”, in West Newton this Fall (Sept or Oct). Located at 52 Sewall Street in West Newton, it was a huge success last year. The open grassy green space with shade was perfect for visitors to stroll and take in the photography, painting and crafts. Stay tuned!

Cold Wax Medium and Oil Explained

Cold Wax Medium and Oil Explained

by | Aug 11, 2021 | Abstraction, Books, Cold Wax and Oil

A number of newer paintings on Perugi Studio are described as Cold Wax & Oil. What is this new (or not so new) painting method? It is a product by Gamblin (and others) made with mostly beeswax and some solvent. When the artist adds oil paint in a ratio of 1 part paint to 3 parts wax, it becomes a spreadable mixture that is easy to use and less expensive than oil alone. Other advantages are its’ luminosity, butter consistancy, and short drying time. It can be textured with tools and layered which is useful for making abstract paintings. Because it is primarily made of wax, it can only be applied to cradle board or other hard surfaces. (Arches oil paper can also be used if it is adhered to a board later.)  The mixture can be collaged with paper and other materials. Other innovations include adding marble dust, sand, pastel powders, etc.

Cold was was introduced in the 30’s as an alternative to hot wax or encaustics. Encaustics involve heating pots that can be dangerous. Cold wax has become more popular in the last few years because of its ease of use, versatiliy and accessibility. And it was reintroduced by the cold wax Bible  “Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations” by Rebecca Crowell & Jerry McLaughlin, now in its third printing. It can be purchased at the website ColdWaxAcademy.com.