I always have a camera with me for taking reference photos. Sometimes I have to shoot from a parking lot, the side of an expressway, or on top of a parking structure in order to get a clear shot of the sky.

I also pay close attention to the movement of the cloud formations, color variations, and the smell in the air just before a storm. It even helps to think about how I feel when a storm is approaching.

After manipulating several photos on the computer, I combine them to make a single composition and begin painting. I sometimes use several different photos to reference for color. While I’m painting, I will deliberately make some aesthetic changes to the composition and color in order to give the painting more movement and life. 

I like the variety of techniques that can be employed by using oil color. It allows me to work the paint longer when needed and to create certain effects I couldn’t achieve using other mediums. I use professional grade oil colors (Windsor Newton) that have great light fastness and brilliance of color.

During the painting process, various oils are used to assure a flexible paint film for underpainting layers to prevent cracking and other oils that retain the integrity of lighter colors in order to prevent them from yellowing.

I use copper tacks (as opposed to staples) every inch around the perimeter of my paintings to assure perfect tension. This helps to prevent cracking in the paint film later.

I prefer linen to cotton, since it has been used for centuries and has withstood the test of time. I like the slight irregularities I receive when painting on a medium textured Belgium linen. I feel it gives my painting surface a little character.

American Traditional Stretchers are custom made by Simon Liu, NY. Visit http://www.simonliuinc.com/html/traditionals.php to read more about what makes the quality of these stretchers superior.

I use a variety of conservation-safe varnishes to enhance visual impact.

Frames are custom made by John Rowland Workshop in Ferndale, Michigan. Developed specially to complement the paintings, frames are painted with a warm black, allowing a red ground to show through in distressed areas.

Conservation and Museum Services
www.conservationandmuseumservices.com

Simon Liu, Inc.
www.simonliuinc.com

Studio One Photography by Vince Palazzolo
www.palazzolophoto.com

Utrecht Art Supplies
www.utrecht.com