About
My Approach to Painting
Painting is a path for exploration and creativity. I am fascinated by the way that the different elements of a painting – composition, color, contrast, and texture – interact to create powerful imagery that can have both meaning and beauty. It is a kind of slight of hand, that when it works, somehow allows the marks on the canvas to create an emotional response in the viewer. And yet, creating a painting is also a highly analytic process for me. Most of the time the different parts of a painting don’t look right the first, second, or even third time I paint them. It is a challenging, but pleasurable type of problem solving to figure out which of the many variable elements needs to be changed to get the look I am trying for. There is a unique satisfaction as a part of the painting snaps into clarity.
I especially like working from my own photographs to capture moments that resonate on a personal and sensory level. I live and work in Falls Church, Virginia.
The Paintings
All of my paintings are made with artist-quality oil and acrylic paints. The paintings should retain their beautiful appearance for years. Acrylic paintings should not be stored below 40oF.
I paint on heavy-weight stretched cotton or linen canvas. Each canvas is coated with acid-free, archival acrylic gesso priming on a solid wood frame. Standard wrap canvases are ¾ inch thick while Gallery wrap canvases are 1 ¾ inch thick or more.
Finishing and Framing
Each painting is finished with an acrylic varnish that protects against dust and dirt, as well as UV fading. The varnish is removable if necessary.
I typically paint the edges of my paintings for a more finished look. Gallery wrap canvases often can be hung unframed as the extra thickness of the canvas gives them a solid presence, like Laughing Bird Caye.
Standard wrap canvases look better framed. I most often use wood floating frames, which display the entire surface of the painting, front and sides. Most of the time I paint the frame in a color that enhances the look of the painting. The frame on Lavender Light is actually a very dark purple.
Sometimes I have even painted the frame right on the canvas, like in 3 Pebbles.
I am not a custom framer, but will consider other framing options, especially for commissioned work
Paintings are ready to hang, with all necessary hooks, pads, and hardware.
Terms
The prices shown are for complete, finished paintings as described above, ready to unwrap and hang on the wall. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area I am happy to arrange to drop off your painting. Otherwise prices include packing, shipping, and insurance.
Payment is by Venmo or PayPal. If you want to buy a painting please send me a message through the Contact page, or directly to RussMardonArt@gmail.com, indicating your name, which painting you are interested in, and your location. Wait until I respond to your message, then send the payment. I will then deliver or ship your new painting!