The Making of a Surf Painting

Final Colour and Varnish.

Well, here we are, almost at the end of our creation. As you can see, I just painted over the colour wash, very carefully, until the final work was complete. I decided to modify the Cobalt Blue in the pallet a bit with the addition of Thalo Green. Just a little, because this colour can be overpowering.

Because of my preparation I was very familiar with the image, and the art went smoothly, with almost no changes. There is a saying, "completion, not correction" I like this, and keep it in mind, because wherever there is an adjustment and correction, this process detracts from the fresh look of the final art. Many people have said to me how quickly it seemed that I created the image, however, as you can see I plan a lot before I lay in those "spontaneous" brush strokes.

So now we are finished. I now email a digital image to the art director, to double check that all is well. By the way, I email all the stages along the way. There is nothing so depressing as to hear an art director say "that's not what I wanted, I didn't expect that". I especially hate it when my own inner voice says it.

I use Damar Varnish for oil paints. The instructions say wait 6 months, but who can do that? As soon as it's dry to the touch, I varnish. Some hints here. Heat the varnish in the microwave for a minute to warm it up. Put the art in the sun or warm it with a blow drier. This warms the varnish and paint surface so that the varnish flows smoothly. The principle of 'the co-efficient of expansion' states that when different layers dry at different times, cracking will occur. This hasn't happened to me.

I use it undiluted, out of the bottle, and paint it on with the design of the painting, not in a grid pattern like the instructions say. This whole warming, and spreading goes for bottle, or spray can.

Do not try to smooth it out by going over it too much, as this may melt the paint. Damar dries quickly, and adheres in an almost shrink wrap like fashion. It's beautiful, but the high gloss makes for some photographic problems. After about a month the gloss subsides to a more acceptable sheen.

So there you have it, the art is complete.

Next we will talk about type layout...


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Ron Croci {click here to view Ron's COTW profile/showcase}

Original paintings and prints can be purchased from Ron. Visit Ron's website at www.roncroci.com. Ron is also represented by Mckibben Gallery, Corona Del Mar, California and Surfing Artist International, Ocean City, New Jersey.