New Mixed Media Painting Titled "Niagara Vacation"

Eric Buechel
Feb 16, 2017
2 min read

Updated: May 4

Niagara Vacation

This is a mixed media piece I recently finished, which I am particularly proud of due to its personal significance and the intricate techniques involved in its creation. The artwork depicts an old family photo of my mother, Josephine Caltagirone Buechel, taken during a memorable trip to the majestic Niagara Falls with my father in the early 1970s. This trip was not just a vacation; it was a cherished family experience that brought my parents closer together and created lasting memories that have been passed down through generations.

I chose to paint this piece in a style known as Non-Static Impressionism, often referred to as Blurry Painting. This technique allows for a unique interpretation of reality, where the boundaries between figures and backgrounds become fluid, creating a dreamlike quality that resonates with the nostalgia of the moment captured in the photograph. I first encountered this captivating style through the works of the contemporary artist Gerhard Richter, whose ability to blend abstraction with representation left a profound impact on me. I later had the opportunity to see some of his pieces in person at the High Museum in Atlanta, where the vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork further inspired my own artistic endeavors.

For this particular piece, I employed a diverse range of materials to achieve the desired effect. The combination of watercolor, gouache, oil paint, colored ink, wax, and gold leaf on Arches 140lb. watercolor paper allowed me to explore various textures and luminosities. The watercolor and gouache provided a soft, fluid quality that mimics the flowing waters of Niagara Falls, while the oil paint added depth and richness to the colors, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the piece. The use of colored ink introduced intricate details that draw the viewer's eye, while the wax adds an element of mystery and layering, creating a sense of depth that invites contemplation. The application of gold leaf not only adds a touch of elegance but also symbolizes the preciousness of family memories, capturing the light in a way that reflects the joy and warmth of those moments.

The dimensions of the artwork are 24" x 24", a square format that allows for a balanced composition, drawing the viewer into the scene while also providing ample space for the intricate details to unfold. This piece is not just a representation of a photograph; it is an emotional journey that reflects the love and connection within my family, encapsulating a moment in time that remains vivid in my memory. Through this mixed media approach, I aimed to create a dialogue between the past and the present, allowing viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels, whether through personal reflection or shared experiences of family and nostalgia.