What about Technique?

A work in Progesss:

One of my main passions is light through layers of paint. Using the mixed technique, this can be achieved by painting in a sequential manner, that is, indirect painting. However, the more I paint in layers the more it becomes clear to me that additional layers can just cover up or disguise the original luminosity of the white panel. So sometimes, I end up wiping areas of the new paint off in order to reveal the structure and colors of the previous level. Thus my oil painting technique becomes a mixture of painting both forwards and backwards.

My latest project takes this movement a step further by literally painting on both sides of the panel. It is not uncommon to find panels painted on both sides. Many Flemish painters painted images on both sides - the Ghent altarpiece being a prime example - but manyNorthern Renaissance portraits were done this way, too. There could have been  many reasons for this but since the wood panel would have had less chance of warping by being completely sealed, it may have simply made common sense. In my case, I have always gessoed both sides of my panels, for longevity, and also for backup in case I am not happy with my first attempt.  In fact, I first experimented with this approach to landscape painting approximately 30 years ago!

So, it was not much of a leap for me to envision a painting that involved both sides. What's new is their interaction.  Here's the concept: a realistic landscape on one side, an abstract pattern on the other, with the center section cut out so that it rotates between them. I took the idea  to some local carpenters who drilled a hole down the center, cut out the middle section, then inserted a rod so it could swivel. But the value study formed an essential foundation for building up the image...

Value study	Line drawing	Egg Tempera	Imprimatura
Mixed Technique 1	Mixed Technique 2	Mixed Technique 3	Final