Materials:

I paint on tempered hardboard with an archival ground and a kaolin clay surface, which brings out the luminosity of the watercolors. I use QoR watercolors, known for their UV-resistant binder that helps preserve the vibrancy of the colors over time. Instead of using spray varnish, I hand-finish each piece with a protective wax, a method I love for its deep roots in art history. This finish also allows the work to be displayed without the need for framing behind glass.

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Process:

My process begins with research. I can dedicate weeks to understanding the historical context of the figures, moments, or stories I’m about to portray, ensuring they are represented as accurately as possible. Though I’m not a Historian, I aim to approach each subject with mindfulness and care, drawing from the resources available to me.

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Once I’ve gathered the necessary knowledge, I explore different compositions through thumbnail sketches, both traditionally and digitally. After settling on a concept, I finalize it with clean, precise line work, a skill honed through my background as a digital Illustrator.

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Next, I develop a color composition to guide the overall balance and harmony of the painting. This step is critical to ensuring that every shape and color serves the story I want to tell. After transferring the line work onto the board, I begin painting, referencing the color composition.

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Every step of my process is intentional, and each painting is a result of deep thought, research, and care, meant to honor the past and create a lasting connection with the viewer.