Visit to St. Seraphim / Frescoes in Progress

Father Moses explaining the fresco technique.

Students from the Lost Techniques class viewing St. Seraphim frescoes.

Father Moses demonstrating the plastering process.

Finished frescoes in the church.

This sinopia will eventually be painted over with color.

Father Patrick the painter.

A preliminary sketch.

On March 5th I took my Lost Techniques of the Ancients class to the St. Seraphim church in Santa Rosa. How lucky we are to have a church right near the school that has real examples of frescoes in progress! There are very few places in the United States where fresco painting is still being practiced. Both Father Moses and Father Patrick explained the plastering and painting process of making a fresco. Treat yourself to a visit to the St. Seraphim church if you are in Northern California!

Jester of Choler & Overcome by Ferns

Jester of Choler, encaustic/mixed media, 2013

Detail of face with ferns.

"Ferns", encaustic, mixed media, 2013

Two weeks of vacation allowed me time to paint two large encaustics. I've started experimenting with more collage elements and incorporating elements of nature into my portraits.

Pigments and Puppets from 2,000-40,000 Years Old

Pigments from Ancient Rome/ British Museum

I am always fascinated to see basic tools from thousands of years ago that show the artist at work. I stumbled upon this image as I was researching a great collection of encaustic mummy portraits from the British Museum collection. They currently have a show on artwork from the Ice Age some 40,000-10,000 years old!
http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/ice_age_art/about_the_exhibition.aspx

The oldest puppet or doll: an articulated figure made of mammoth ivory

On loan from Moravian Museum, Anthropos Institute

In Memoriam to My Muse - Cosmo

Cosmo, fresco, 2012

My beloved muse, and best friend, Cosmo, died November 16th. I painted this November 25th. He was only six.  Making art is the best therapy. More pieces to come...

Sappho, encaustic, mixed media, 2012

Here is my latest piece...starting to head in the right direction.

Butterflies in My Head

"Butterflies in My Head", encaustic, mixed media, 2012

This is my latest painting, which incorporates a bit of lichen found hanging in the oak trees here in California.

Frescoes at the Spinster Sisters

If you happen to be passing through Santa Rosa, CA in the next few months swing by the new wine bar and restaurant the Spinster Sisters. Art exhibits are held every two months. The food and wine selection is excellent!  I've got a bunch of portable frescoes hanging there, most of which I painted this summer.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spinster-Sisters/242956329103180