FINISHING TOUCHES

Gerberilium Papaveraceae, Hybrid No. 18, oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm (24 x 31")

After the center is dry, I go in with the direct style again. I am careful to pay attention to shadow temperatures and light gradation. Then, when the painting is touch-dry I go back into areas that need more enhancement. I brighten up colors that may have been lost and I add in lowlights and highlights to heighten the painting’s sense of depth. When the flower is done I go over the surrounding areas with a thinned down ivory black and then once all is dry I do a coat of Gamvar Gloss as final protective layer.