The Task

Some works came as a surprise or as a friend and I said, as a future message to ourselves. This work from the beginning of the year is one of those. As I continue to look at it, the mind tries without luck to fit it into some kind of category/allegory.

Maybe as the title says, the task is to slow down and observe what appears as it is without anticipation or preconceived ideas.

Flow, casein on paper

Attracted to explore another palette. The light greens are so vibrant and attractive while still having a relaxing and peaceful tone.

The Bride

This artwork was created during a month-long residency in Newfoundland and Labrador. The stunning landscape, the vibrant colors of the ever-changing ocean and the wildflowers, were a constant source of inspiration.

Casein Paint

Casein paint has been used since ancient times as a form of tempera paint, the Egyptians used it and today it comes in tubes. One of the qualities that I love is that, unlike gouache or tempera -which I also love- is that it is not as picky and allows me to work better on transparencies and, while humid/wet, it behaves a bit like oil paint. When it dries it is resistant and has that oil-like visual quality, more so than most other water-based paints I've tried.

Milk paint is a non-toxic milk protein based paint to which I add color pigments. Milk paint has also been used for thousands of years and is made from all-natural ingredients that are safe and non-toxic once applied.

I painted with oil for years, unfortunately we are no longer compatible, the smell and toxicity of the products to dilute and clean are beyond me. I know there are water-based oils out there, but my head just can't turn around the concept and to tell you the truth, I'm a bit stubborn to try.

A friend made me discover casein paint, in fact she reminded me of what a great master Dauguet taught me, to make my own paints. He introduced me to casein, marble dust! oil tempera and exploring with materials...good good times learning with him.