Scars

The name of this abstract painting is called scars.

The painting began with layers of red oil paint mixed with cold wax. After those dried, I layered white and bits of gray paint on top.

I used a heavy nail to scratch into the surface while some of the paint was still wet. I used a drywall knife to carve and scratch and mark this once perfect piece of wood. I let it sit and dry for quite some time.

And one day when I walked back in the studio I realized what it was missing.

The yellow ocher color was added last thinned out by turpentine dripping from the top to the bottom of the painting giving the piece a raw and visceral look.

Because life is hard and we get injured in so many different ways. And those injuries, they leave us with scars. I used to think scars were bad. That things should be perfect and unmarred. But as I go through life, I realize there is beauty in our scars.

Our scars are marks that are left behind to tell the story of who we really are. Our scars are unique and memorable and I think they make us special. ❤️

Original Oil and Cold Wax painting on wood panel. 12” x 12”.