Going to the MEAM Museum Barcelona! "Portrait of Melinda Borysevicz" (Artist) 2020

8 March 2021 - 2 May 2021
International Women’s Day Exhibition
Portrait of Melinda Borysevicz (Artist) 2020 Consistent with my current obsession with including 3D textures, I created a golden ruff of paint tubes made of plaster casts and gold leaf for this portrait. I also, added inlaid abalone in the magpie feathers in her attire. She frequently adds these feathers in the narratives of her lovely paintings. :)
Originally, I intended to portray Melinda in more of a John Singer Sargent way. Which would have been appropriate because she happens to be beautiful. Then I determined that she would be better represented as a master painter a la the likes of Diego Velázquez with neck ruff included. So, I portrayed her in a way that I think is more dignified and authentic as a woman of great skill as an artist. I think this is appropriate for International Women’s Day.
“Portrait of Melinda Borysevicz” Linen on Panel, Oil, Plaster, 23kt Gold, Abalone Veneer, 40 x 40 x 6.35 cm, 2020

Casting Texture – Secco-Fresco

My recent artwork has been influenced by Antonio Gaudi. I'm applying texture elements within my paintings. These photos are a glimpse into my process.

The first photo is a detail of the completed American Beauty painting.

The second photo is an in-progress photo of American Beauty showing the decision making as to where pieces of plaster casts should be placed in the composition.

As in American Beauty there can be over 25 handmade plaster casts in each painting. Some large area pieces for the background, then going to smaller floral medallions and sometimes each petal or leaf is cast separately.

As seen in the third photo these casts are made by pressing usually organic objects into clay then pouring plaster into the clay and pressing linen into the wet plaster. When the plaster dries you can then peel the linen and plaster cast away from the clay.

These pieces are generally very thin as shown in the last photo.

I cut each piece to fit into place. Then I adhere and fortify these casts with modeling paste (marble dust and adhesive). After a drying period and added sealer I can then paint or gild the secco-fresco.

Voila! New art beginnings!

Bluebird Blues featured at MEAM Barcelona

I am so honored to have my painting "Bluebird Blues" (featuring Emily Iocovozzi ) exhibiting in Spain at the world renowned MEAM in Barcelona. I’ve been selected along with 35 other internationally talented women painters for the “Painting Today” show opening March 8 for International Women’s Day.

To learn more about the show, visit their website.