"Determination"

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


"Nothing gets done without determination." In many books I've read, determination has been the number one ingredient every successful person possesses. The best way to get determination is simply to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

Texture is a design element that immediately produces a response. The danger of texture is that too much of it without a contrast of no texture can create chaos. I love the technique in this piece of texturizing gesso and then printing over it with a brayer and Speedball Printing Ink. To "dial" back some of the texture, I make sure there are clearly defined shapes. Don't every forget that paintings are made up of shapes. Shapes are created by strong division of space. Think "edge to edge" and aggressive "dark / light" contrast. The brayer will also help you to create interesting edges and then some of them can be softened by printing with less ink on the brayer or by wetting the edge with a brush and blotting with a kleenex.

By sticking with black, white, grays, and silver, you will not get into the weeds by introducing color into an already highly textured piece. Even if color was introduced, it would need to be limited to maybe one small spot or printing very "grayed down" colors with your brayer. After looking at many different techniques and materials, I have discovered that these particular neutrals are going to help give a "power punch" to any environment and they are interesting, but also easy on the eyes. I hope you will be encouraged to try and think on these things.


Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.