Ria De Henau

It's abundantly clear from Ria de Henau's work that traditional skills are back!
Despite the hectic times we live in, she takes the time to patiently build up a painting in accordance with old, almost forgotten traditions, including the glacis technique of multiple layers of transparent oil paint, grisaille, and the application of rich and deep colours on linen.

Her work derives a unique vigour and vitality from the combination of the finest craftsmanship and exceptional sensitivity.

Ria de Henau's paintings are built up in accordance with the traditions originating from the 15th and early 16th centuries. This involves starting from a drawing, which is then painted in grisaille.At this stage the artist is already able to indicate the shades of light and dark.

When this first coat is complete and has dried, work can continue using several coats of transparent colour in oil paint (glacis). This is an extremely precise job demanding great patience.  Layer is painted over layer to achieve a sense of depth that results from the reflection of light off the individual layers. The final, finishing coat consists of areas of oil paint that cover more fully, enhancing the painting as a whole.