Abstract Construction: Layering Transparency and Patina in the Richter Tradition

Abstract painting is an exercise in the tension between the deliberate mark and the accidental result. In this studio session, I investigate the methodology of the squeegee—a technique famously refined by Gerhard Richter—to explore how forced layering and transparency can generate complex, atmospheric surfaces. This process prioritizes a meditative approach to composition, where each stroke is built upon a foundation of structural rust and patina effects. By contrasting the rigid, industrial motion of the squeegee with the organic application of ink and oil pastel, I aim to create a surface that holds both depth and historical narrative. Core explorations: The Squeegee Methodology: Investigating the interplay of pressure, speed, and opacity in creating layered abstract fields. Transparent Layering: The strategic use of sponge-applied washes and brown ink to build luminosity through depth. Material Dialogue: Navigating the synthesis of fluid acrylics and the wax-based resilience of Sennelier oil pastels. The Aesthetics of Patina: Constructing intentional, weathered surfaces that evoke a sense of geological time. This inquiry is an examination of how we can translate the language of industrial texture into a refined, minimalist aesthetic.