The Absolute series of paintings often pairs natural elements along side more man-made subject matter. As I explore my surroundings for content that matches with the overall vision of my next piece, I find that my work naturally has corresponding seasons with the world around me. This year’s spring has brought with it new inspirations and new adaptations. Now introducing Absolute: Mend, my latest oil painting. Continue reading to see more of this piece.
Absolute: Mend, Oil on reclaimed oak. 16″ x 31 1/4″. 5.4.15.
[Full Image Gallery Following Article]
A detail of the Morpho didius butterfly
A few years ago, I scored a pretty large stash of what appears to be barn shelving. Most of these larger planks are made with 2 or more pieces of wood that over time have cracked or separated apart. Absolute: Mend offers both a conceptual and literal interpretation to the viewer. The 2 halves had to be broken apart to prevent additional splitting. Then, the edges were honed flat and glued back together.
Atop a waterfall, thinking about a painting-to-be
Most people don’t realize that research is mandatory for all Absolute paintings. This is done both academically and in-field. I spend a considerable effort working out concepts that hit multiple tiers of content. The general ‘wow factor’ is something that I hope always translates to anyone who sees the work. But far more importantly, there’s also a pretty hefty philosophy that backs this series. I spend the days before a painting taking small hikes into nature which can help ground the base-line esotericism to something more approachable. And vise versa; many times nature helps remind me just how complicated, meaningful, and intricate our lives are if one just looks closer.
As it happens, I ironically had a massive head-cold brought on by allergies during the majority of this piece. The waterfall featured above was my only real attempt to hike during the preparations of this painting. Thankfully, I have a membership to the Franklin Park Conservatory, which serves as my outdoors when it’s too cold or rainy (or I’m too sick) to explore. Deciding to forgo the wet hike, I opted to see the “Blooms & Butterflies” exhibit at the conservatory. Armed with just my iPhone, I knew the final inspiration had come to fruition. Though I did not set out to take photographs of the butterflies, I am including a few shots just so you can see some of the splendor.
For this piece, I hand-sanded a stripe down the center, leaving a gradient that goes from fresher center wood to the naturally aged patination on either side. Over the last year or so, I’ve really started to play around with additive/subtractive treatment of the wood in addition to the painted subject matter. I used the same mentality to make a 2-toned frame from the same wood.
[Click to enlarge images]
A detail of the Morpho didius butterfly
A detail of the ‘threads’
Absolute: Mend, Oil on reclaimed oak. 16″ x 31 1/4″. 5.4.15.
As it happens, I ironically had a massive head-cold brought on by allergies during the majority of this piece. The waterfall featured above was my only real attempt to hike during the preparations of this painting. Thankfully, I have a membership to the Franklin Park Conservatory, which serves as my outdoors when it’s too cold or rainy (or I’m too sick) to explore. Deciding to forgo the wet hike, I opted to see the “Blooms & Butterflies” exhibit at the conservatory. Armed with just my iPhone, I knew the final inspiration had come to fruition. Though I did not set out to take photographs of the butterflies, I am including a few shots just so you can see some of the splendor.
Daric Gill Studios 
The wood is so interesting in the ends itself to the paining.
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painting*
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Thank you! I’ve used this wood for other purposes before, but it is the first time I’ve really allowed the grain and color to be a design element.
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Remarkable. I enjoyed reading about the process. Nice body of work Daric.
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Thanks Kevin!
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Great work and so nice to follow the process of it.
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Thanks so much! I’m glad you’ve found the process as interesting.
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