The process of painting on copper

Here is the start of a painting on copper. I used a 6x8 inch copper etching plate for the painting surface; these can be purchased in most art and supply stores. Copper has been used by painters in the past as a reliable painting surface. It is different from canvas or a wood in that it does not change. It won't stretch or shrink with weather or age. Paintings made by Dutch and Flemish painters back in the 1600's have a remarkable quality to them- as if they had just been painted yesterday. The paint appears to be fresh and rich and does not seem to have dried out. Paintings done on canvas or wood often crack or peel with age. To prepare the copper plate I used a Pre-Raphaelite medium, although you could use most any kind of medium to prepare the surface.

Three Oranges with Cherries

This is the first stage of the painting. It is what's called the prematura stage of the painting- an initial layer of color. This is different from an underpainting that is painted with greyscale. Adjusting the value (lights and darks) and chroma (color) are all happening at the same time. This does pose extra challenges but they can be remedied in future glazes of paint.

Three Oranges

This painting on copper is about half way done. I have worked into it twice already-the prematura layer and the first glaze. I usually use a couch of Pre-Raphaelite medium or a mixture of stand oil with Gamsol paint thinner; either one will give the paint some body to it.

Orange with Broken Tea Pot

Here is a 6x8 inch painting on copper that is nearing completion. I have three or four glazes of paint on the copper so far.

This is the oil medium that I used on this set of paintings on copper. It is a wonderful medium that is made by Studio Products Inc. I often use it when I am painting in plein-air or when adding a second or third layer of glaze on a painting in the studio. I use it as a couch for the painting; I spread a thin layer of it on my painting surface with a bristle brush and then paint on top of that. It can be used in preparing copper plates before painting as well.

Onion Bottle with Apple Blossoms

Here is another painting that I finished last week for a show in Cambridge, MA. The frame is the same style as the frame on the church interior painting. These are float frames that John White from Cape Elizabeth, ME. made for me. This onion bottle is a circa 1600 Dutch bottle. I love the shape and the imperfections in the glass.