Several people have made a major impact on my art career, so I'm honoring them in this painting. The shadowy figure of a monk is my alter ego, the zen-like version of myself that I often use in my work. It represents that gentler side of my personality that I wish manifested itself more often.

The first thing I do when I conceive a painting is to draw it in perspective using Google Sketch Up, a free app that is a simplified CAD program. I draw a concrete block to scale, then rotate it to the desired angle. The app allows me to adjust the light and shadows. This is all I need to begin the painting.

The cement texture is then painted in, requiring multiple layers of paint. The entire painting procedure is undertaken with the silk loose, so that I can put it against various rough surfaces that I create in the studio. As I apply layer upon layer of paint, the cement texture begins to take shape. I also rub paint across the surface, which gives me added textures. Finally, the illusion of cement is complete.

Since this painting is an homage to many of the people in my life who have contributed to my art career in some way, you can see their names scratched or painted on the surface. This is as close as I get to abstraction.

I hope you enjoyed this little art lesson. If you have any questions or insights, I'd love to hear from you.