MRtoll

It’s a sad day as we bid farewell to Crest in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. For 62 years, Crest Hardware has been a cornerstone of the Brooklyn community, supporting neighbors and local artists alike. Joe and the dedicated team made Crest more than just a store—it became a pillar of support and a beacon of community spirit. I am profoundly grateful to Joe and everyone at Crest for allowing me to display one of my Graffiti Mirrors above the store. This mirror has stood proudly for the past few years, witnessing us through the pandemic and serving as a symbol of hope and continuity. To Joe and the entire Crest family, thank you for your support, kindness, and belief in the power of art. You have made a lasting impact on the Brooklyn arts community and beyond. Thank you, Crest. Thank you, Joe.

Texturing

Back in Tuscany

Tuscan Terra.

Muddy waters……

Today is our last day in Los Angeles before we head to Tuscany tomorrow for the rest of summer and part of autumn. We’re excited to find a house near Florence and spend the next few months enjoying being around family and experiencing our life in Italy.

This technique, if you want to call it that, is quite straightforward. Initially, I apply a thick coat of oil paint, sometimes up to one inch thick, and then let it sit on the canvas untouched for several days. The essence of this process lies in timing and patience. Once the paint has scabbed over, I use a palette knife to burst, pop, stretch, break, pool, and push the paint, allowing it to mix and rip with the other layers. This creates a dynamic texture and interplay of colors. After this initial manipulation, I let the paint scab over once more for several days before reworking it again. This repeated process of letting the paint settle and then reworking it adds depth and complexity to the piece, resulting in a richly textured final artwork. #ArtTechnique #PaintingProcess #TextureArt #ThickPaint #PaletteKnife #ArtistLife #AbstractArt #ArtOfPatience #CreativeProcess #DynamicTexture #LayeredArt #ArtisticExpression #FineArt #ArtStudio #WorkInProgress #ArtLovers #ArtDetails #ContemporaryArt #ArtisticJourney #PaintAndPatience

Where do I go from here……. Oil paint and spay on board.

I saw this wall in Cartagena, Colombia. The salt-aged walls of the old city, weathered by years of high humidity, have decayed over time. This natural aging process has caused the graffiti that covers the city to wither and fade, creating a unique and captivating texture on the walls.

Temptress Tempest

Paola and I, when we are old, living in Florence.……

👁️ 🌊 U