I vary the layers and their application according to the visual effect I wish to achieve and proceed slowly and carefully, allowing a day between application of each layer to maximize curing and permanence of the varnish.

I mount the varnished prints on stretched canvas or on canvas-covered board, and I frame using classic florentine frame styles in metallic gold-colored leaf or black with a gold-colored trim.

The layers of varnish provide physical, chemical and optical protection that would otherwise be provided by glass.  

Because of the extensive amount of time, and the variables involved in the application of the glazes and varnishes, and in the final mounting and framing, I consider each final piece produced this way to be a unique piece and I limit the number of pieces of a particular image to a very few. 

This work has been ongoing since 2001, and while I am constantly refining my technique, it has reached a point where I am able to consistently achieve a superior presentation of my images as finished works of art.

Pictures finished and presented this way have been accepted at juried shows of the Cape Cod Art Association, the Falmouth Artists Guild and the Chester County Art Association -- both photo shows, and all media shows; in 2003 one of these won the prize for "Best Creative Study" at the Photography show of the Falmouth Artists Guild; in 2005, another received the prize for "Best Color" at the same show, and in August, 2005 a varnished piece won second prize at the all media Members Show at the Cape Cod Art Association.  In 2006/2007 my work "Two Ladies at Coffee" was invited for showing at "When We Were Younger", an invitational all-media show sponsored by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, featuring Cape Cod's "preeminent artists".

Pieces of my work presented this way may be viewed at Jan Collins Selman Fne Art in Falmouth, Massachusetts, Wilson Gallery in Dennis, Massachusetts, at the Cataumet Arts Center in Cataumet, Massachuset, at the Artisans Gallery in Sandwich, Massachusetts, at Vagabond Gallery in Canandaigua, New York, and Gallery One in Concordville Pennsylvania.  

In Ireland it can be viewed at the Andrew Stone Gallery, Bridge Street, Westport, County Mayo.

Additional pieces may be viewed in my studio by appointment.

Typical prices for work in this medium are as follows

- 8" x 12" image in a 2-inch gold metal leaf frame
   $200

- 10" x 15" image in a 2-inch gold metal leaf frame 
   $350

- 12" x 18" image in a 2 to 2 1/2-inch gold metal leaf frame 
   $500-$700 (depending on frame)

Examples of work currently available or recently sold can be found in the

Gallery section of this site.  Links to art galleries carrying this work are below.