New Painting Titled: Diego's Wall

"Diego's Wall" By Artist Eric Buechel, 2017, 30" x 40" Mixed Media, Watercolor, Ink,

Oil Paint and Wax on Arches Paper

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Details

Diego's Wall

This painting was initiated after my visit to The Detroit Institute of Arts, which is prominently situated in the vibrant cultural corridor of Detroit. The experience left an indelible mark on me, particularly due to the mesmerizing fresco created by the renowned artist Diego Rivera. I was profoundly impressed by the seamless smoothness of the artwork, which seemed to breathe life into the walls of the gallery. As I stood there, my attention was drawn not only to the painting itself but also to the diverse crowd of people surrounding it. They were engaged in animated conversations, their voices blending into a soft murmur that filled the space, while I meticulously examined the intricate colors and composition that Rivera had so skillfully crafted. I spent approximately two hours in that gallery, engrossed in my observations of the people talking around me. I found myself uncertain about whether their discussions revolved around Rivera's masterpiece or if they were simply enjoying casual exchanges. Among them, I noticed a particular man wearing a striking blue shirt who was diligently taking notes. His intense focus on whatever he was writing struck me as particularly noteworthy, as it suggested a deeper engagement with the art than mere passive observation. The style of Rivera's painting appeared somewhat ambiguous to my discerning eye. It diverged from the purely Mexican aesthetic I had anticipated encountering. Instead, the colors were bright yet possessed a softness that lent an impressionistic quality to the work. This was a departure from other pieces by Rivera that feature much more vibrant and saturated hues. This observation led me to believe that his intention with this particular fresco was to adopt a more Western style, perhaps to resonate with a broader audience. What I enjoyed most about my painting was the incorporation of the spectators and the remarkable floor of the gallery itself. During my visit, I observed several individuals seated comfortably on the floor, engaged in conversation, which inspired me to capture that moment in my own artwork. I ended up creating three works that echo this theme, including one where a person is depicted sitting on the floor. Interestingly, I painted this individual twice within the same piece, as if he were a twin, both dressed identically, which adds a layer of subtle complexity to the composition. This detail may not be immediately apparent, but it becomes evident once I point it out to an art enthusiast, who can appreciate the nuance. In the execution of this painting, I employed an airbrush technique, although a significant portion of the work was hand-painted using a fine sable brush. After completing the intricate layers of watercolor and liquid acrylic, I applied several coats of acrylic gloss medium to enhance the surface finish. Following this, I introduced a layer of beeswax, which I thinned with a precise mixture of Demar varnish, turpentine, and a small amount of linseed oil. While I hesitate to label this process as a glaze, it certainly leans in that direction, adding to the complexity of the surface. Once the beeswax mixture was prepared, I added colored ink to it, which allowed me to create an extraordinary depth on the surface of the painting. My ultimate aim was to manipulate the light as it interacted with the surface and penetrated through the various layers I had painstakingly built up. As the light enters each of the roughly six layers in this work, it reflects back, creating a radiant glow that is captivating to behold. This approach diverges significantly from typical watercolor paintings, which often appear flat and lifeless. In my piece, it's all about the surface texture and the playful interaction with light that brings it to life. The time I invested in this rather large piece was worth it to me, as it’s not merely about the end result but rather the satisfaction of getting it right. Each brushstroke and layer of paint contributed to a deeper understanding of the interplay between color, light, and form, culminating in a work that resonates with both my experiences and the vibrant atmosphere of the gallery that inspired it. EB

Tribute to Diego Rivera

By Eric Buechel

In the heart of Mexico, where colors ignite, A muralist’s vision brought history to light.

With brushstrokes bold, and a spirit so free, Diego Rivera, you painted our plea.

From ancient Aztecs to the workers' plight, You captured their stories, their struggles, their fight.

With vibrant hues, you wove tales of the past, A tapestry rich, where shadows were cast.

With Frida beside you, a love intertwined, Two artists, two souls, in passion aligned. Your murals, a

mirror of life’s ebb and flow, In every detail, the truth you bestow.

In the heart of the city, your art stands so tall, A testament fierce, to the rise and the fall. You painted

the laborers, the heart of the land, With hands stained in colors, united they stand.

Diego, your legacy forever will thrive, In the strokes of your brush, the spirit alive. Through murals

and dreams, your voice will resound, In the pulse of the people, your art will be found.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578

(931) 881-7806

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