Duane Nickerson is a Canadian artist who has exhibited work internationally and now lives and works in rural Nova Scotia. His paintings reside in public and private collections in Australia, Brunei, Canada, France, Mexico, Singapore, the UK and the United States. His studio is a small, quiet refuge where creativity and labour happen.
These links contain information about Duane Nickerson’s exhibition record and publications.
A Decision for Generations
All of the paintings from Duane Nickerson’s studio are made using archival materials and time-tested techniques. These images will not fade and will last for centuries – yes, centuries.
Oil paintings produced in the studio are constructed using museum-grade materials. The sub-strata of the painting surface consists of linen or cotton canvas wrapped on a solid wood frame. Multiple coats of gesso serve as the protective layer between the canvas and the paint. The paint used combines artist grade pigments and linseed oil. The surface of the painting is protected with a resin varnish. These materials are similar to those used in Rembrandt’s studio. Proper care will ensure generations of enjoyment and appreciation
Care of Oil Paintings
Oil paintings do not fade. Like good wine, colour coherence and luminosity actually improves over time. Once thoroughly cured, the paint surface remains slightly flexible, but bending or rolling the painting should be avoided. Do not clean painting surfaces with anything but a clean dry cloth or soft duster. Avoid the use of liquid detergents or water on the surface or back of the painting.
The Process
The process of making paintings begins with an idea, an intuition, an image encountered. An image percolates in the mind, sifts down through the myriad images cluttering daily experience, most dropped from memory immediately after viewing.
A wooden stretcher is assembled, canvas is stretched by hand, then at least three layers of gesso primer are applied. The primer is critical as it serves as barrier between the oil paint and the fibres of the canvas.
The drawing and underpainting is next. Shadow tones are painted in thinly with umber, then layers of thin color are applied layer upon layer. The layering of oil paint is the most important part of the process, and one that is rarely practiced in this age of immediate gratification. It is only through layers that the luminosity unique to oil painting can be achieved.