"The act of painting becomes the act of confession and each canvas my confessor" is my artist statement. This work is no different from anything else I have painted. By nature quiet and very much an introvert the paintings cannot bear false witness. Much of my works have an enigmatic quality lending themselves open to interpretation. Working exclusively with acrylic in a technique which borrows from the Old Masters the surface is first primed with two coats of acrylic medium.I prefer stretching and priming my own canvas. This coating helps preserve the surface and cuts down its absorbency. Next, five to six coats of gesso are applied. The final layer is a neutral gray tone onto which the drawing is then transferred. The form is next developed in shades of gray and white. This grisaille is known as an underpainting. After this step has been completed to satisfaction a series of glazes and scumbles of transparent and translucent color is applied to bring the figure to life. The process is slow and laborious but the delicacy and subtle transition of tones and color cannot be achieved by another method.
We all face moments of conflict and strife, battles with in and those with out. But deep down in our spirit we must be confident that we are not alone in these battles.
Symbolically representing the sacrifice of Christ, the figure dons the battle armor of a blood red robe. The helmet, face mask, is simultaneously an acknowledgement to our current moment in time and testimony to our belief. With the lenses intentionally opaque this serves as a reminder that we walk by faith and not by sight. "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " was the inspiration for the "sword" which is depicted with a scroll containing the word, the verse written in Hebrew "No weapon formed against thee shall prosper." Representative of the Holy Trinity the pillars indicate no matter what trials we face God is at work behind the scenes, essentially having our backs.
Rickie Du Burke.
This is an original work available for purchase.The asking price is $2,500.00 plus shipping. For those interested you may contact me at breukelenartist@gmail.com. The painting can be shipped as is stretched or removed from the stretcher bars and rolled in a sturdy tube (a cheaper s/h option).
I am available for commissions i.e. commercial illustration or fine art. I'd be open to working on a long term project with publishers of books, prints, and posters, corporations and private individual.
Curious? Interested in submitting artwork to our contest? Know someone who might be? Through April 14th, 2022, the Engage Art Contest is open to the whole world! Get your foot in the door by claiming your Artist Page now!