Oliver, A Good Old Boy

"Oliver", 24"x24", Oil with Resin varnish, $950

I have a longstanding love of horses. This guy belonged to some friends of mine, and was more a backyard pet than a workhorse. He has since gone to live with new owners, so I'm glad I got his picture to work from. This stance, for a horse, with the back hoof resting, means the horse is relaxed and comfortable. Just hangin' out, watching me take his picture, probably curious as to when he was going to get a treat from me.

This painting uses a panel as its support. The surface of a panel is strong, doesn't move when paint is applied, and smooth. That creates a different surface from canvas. I like the way the paint flows across the surface, allowing detail or drips with ease. Because of that I was able to combine both, allowing a traditional subject contemporary presentation.

The painting has been varnished with epoxy resin, the equivalent of 50 coats of traditional varnish. The result is a glass-like finish that is very clear and shows every brushstroke, enhances the color, and makes the painting look like it was just painted.

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"Peony on Yellow" Original Flower Oil Painting by Georgia Artist Cathy McIntire

Peony on Yellow, 24"x24"

This painting was reworked from its original version. Colors were modified, the composition was strengthened a bit, and texture added with more paint application. My painting roots are traditional, but I keep pushing my creative envelope to produce work that shows more artistic license, more interpretation, and more painting decisions made "in the moment."

I varnished this one with the epoxy resin. The equivalent of 50 coats of traditional varnish, the result is a glass-like finish that is very clear and shows every brushstroke, enhances the color, and makes the painting look like it was just painted.

The Reason Resin Resonates With Me

Detail of Goldfinch painting

I spent the better part of last week experimenting with a new varnish to finish some paintings I wanted to take over to Lake Oconee. I got some artist grade resin to use on them. I'd first seen work finished this way in my favorite gallery in Atlanta, Pryor Fine Art. Pryor shows artists from around the country who are using new methods and technology to create their work. The art has a cutting edge look to it that inspires me every time I visit.

Anyway, I'd been intrigued by the resin and itching to use it on some of my own work, to see how it would look. This stuff is not for sissies, as far as the application process goes. We're talking respirator, blow torch, and sanders. Fortunately, I'm married to a man who regularly stocks all these items in his shop behind the house.

What I like about the resin finish:

• Look closely and you will see every brush stroke and color on the painting.
• It makes the painting look like it has just been painted.
• It brings out all the freshness and vitality of the work, as it looked while being created.
• The resin creates a clarity to the image on the canvas that is not possible with traditional varnish.
• The resin coated surface is hard, scratch resistant, and easy to clean. I just wipe it with a soft cloth.
• It is totally safe once it dries. You could eat off it, but don't. That would be messy.

Detail of lamb painting, see each stroke and color clearly

It's hard to photograph :(  This is the lamb with resin finish, as it was drying

These newly varnished paintings are in Weinberger's at Lake Oconee until the first part of October. This makes the fifth summer that my work has been featured in their store. I appreciate their willingness to feature local artists, especially since several paintings have sold. Seeing a painting in a room setting is a great way to imagine what it will look like in one's own house.

I'll be using the resin with new work. I'm currently painting for Watson Gallery and also for a show this fall at Sautee Nachoochee in North Georgia.

I'll keep you posted.