"Benediction"

($40.00......6" x 6".....mounted on a 1/8" depth clayboard panel)

"Generosity is a wonderful benediction on anyone's life." It seems fitting to talk about the incredible generosity of so many service men and women who have given their lives for our country. A benediction is a prayer of blessing that is given at the end of a church service or at the end of someone's life.

This piece has simplicity and a straight forward format. Horizontal bands going from edge to edge whether they're vertical or horizontal is a simple way to design a piece. It can be made much more interesting by adding variety and size to the bands of color, texture, or line. In this case I began with a gesso background which was textured with expressive marks and the word benediction written in the bottom black band.

Speedball Printing Ink was used to shape the values and highlight the texture in the gesso. (Check other postings for details.) The erratic band of silver leaf provided a strong statement and underlines the word "benediction" written with a ruling pen and white bleedproof gouache.

There is so much that can be expressed with gesso and printing ink so I encourage all mixed media artists to try it and see where it might take you. There are many different ways it can be textured and painted. Just a few more things to think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.