Matthew Holden Bates up on a ladder starting the trace for his newest Duomo Painting
Hey Everybody, I guess we are off to the races. The first part of the process is to transfer by hand the idea of the painting. This is a very antique tradition with a very modern twist. The idea of the technique derives from the Spolvero or dusting where little holes were punched through the drawing and a bag full of black carbon was dabbed along the punched holes leaving little black dots on the surface, usually a fresco project, effectively leaving a trace of the original idea on the wall.
I do the same thing, but I have a computer, and amazing photography. I can make so much more detailed my Spolvero using modern techniques. It takes a long time to trace it all, and it is an interesting experience because I get to see every single detail that I will have to paint. It is a rerhersal of sorts where I begin to think about my methods and what colors I want to use, all of it. In my next post we will see the finished Spolvero on the white canvas, all ready to start the actual painting process.
If you are new to my blog, first of all welcome! I am working on a new painting, and I am documenting a virtual "Making Of" this painting. If you would like to see the whole thing through, I invite you to follow me @matteopaints Resteems are always welcome, and comments are what make this platform so special.
See You Soon!!! Matteo