Mary Meuwissen
I am intrigued with the idea of taking traditional visual elements and reducing them to their most simple form and shape. My inspiration comes from all that is around me and I paint to create a story that resonates with me.
Using cold wax as a medium with my oil paints, I am able to develop a unique surface by applying thin layers of paint, adding bold textural elements and digging back into those layers to explore the history that lies underneath the surface. The addition of cold wax (a mixture of beeswax, resins and solvents), the finished product has a rich satin luster which captures and reflects light.
Starting each painting with a time of ‘play’, I add as much to the surface as I possibly can. Freedom and spontaneity create little surprises along the way - which ultimately helps in the editing process to finish a painting. When the composition, textural elements and ‘feeling’ of the work come together, my story is complete.
