Mining for Gold by Kathy Ferguson

Kathy Ferguson

Mining for Gold

Acrylic

4 x 4 in

Paper size: 4 x 4 in

Signature: On front mat

Sold

acrylic paint on Graphix film
4″ x 4″ image (8″ x 8″ matted and framed behind glass)

I grew up near San Francisco and the 49's gold rush was covered in our history lessons. Thousands of men traveled to California to make their fortunes panning for gold. Few of them found it, but this little painting hints at the riches that waited to be discovered.

Mining for Gold is a small, framed poured acrylic painting. I begin by selecting my paints, taking into account the opacity, density, and color mixing properties of each color. I add floetrol (an additive that improves flow and leveling of paint) and silicone. The big moment comes when I pour the liquid concoction onto Graphix film, tilting and tipping to get the look I want. I use a butane torch to get cells of color to bubble up to the surface.