Nicola Bennett
They Soften, 2023
Oil & mixed media on board
Framed in American Ash
Framed in American Ash
41 x 30.5 cm
Signed & dated verso
From the artist 'When a painting is small enough to work on board I revel in the delightful process of traditional gesso. This method of preparing a surface to paint...
From the artist "When a painting is small enough to work on board I revel in the delightful process of traditional gesso. This method of preparing a surface to paint on, is not for the faint-hearted. It's very time consuming, but worth it. With a history that dates back to the Roman Egyptians, this gessof recipe has stood the test of time. It's the combination of chalk whiting, rabbit skin glue and water, warmed over a double boiler, sieved, applied while warm, allowed to cool then sanded. Which sounds tricky enough for one layer, but there are 10 layers of gesso with each layer sanded smooth before the next is applied. But, the result is a silky smooth surface to work on. Labour intensive, quality materials light me up in the same way homemade pasta cannot be compared to budget packet dried pasta. I am forever comparing my painting practice to my cooking practice. I apply the same values, the same passion, dedication, respect and sheer joy in the making. So this small work is an extension of the larger blue painting, again playing with the idea of sweetness in colour."