To paint the acrylics, I use a fine textured 13 ounce canvas that I prime with 2 layers of gesso, a white acrylic artist's primer. After each painting is completed, I seal it with a barrier coat of an acrylic varnish followed by a petroleum based varnish that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Together these finishes create a surface that can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth and water and have the added advantage of not requiring glass to protect the surface.

To paint the watercolours, I use a warm white heavy rag paper (300 lb. D'Arches). Rag paper is a quality paper made from rag pulp proven to have a long life. For example, the drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci and other Renaissance masters were made on rag paper. I also like this paper for its surface texture, rate of absorption and the lovely decal edges. When the painting is completed I mat it with a museum quality rag matboard to prevent the paper from degrading from exposure to acids. Both paper and watercolour pigment are reactive to the environment and it is therefore necessary to frame them with glass or plexiglass to protect the painting from environmental degradation.

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