When selecting the next black and white photo realistic painting to hit my canvas I choose images of familiarity using multiple photographic reference’s to recreate there true life essence and emotion with identifiable characteristics which I then transfer to a clay board or aluminum panel. To create my paintings I use a process of application and removal of acrylic paint with an Airbrush and traditional brush, balancing layers of black while removing paint with an eraser, razor and other abrasive materials to highlight and texturize my subject with the white of the surface I’m painting on. I do this continuously until all tonal values are balanced to my liking. My images are painted using only the color black with a splash of color no white paint is used it’s the absence of color that provides the white. I call my technique, “The Art of Removal”.
www.danmentafineart.com
www.danmenta.com
“The True Marilyn”
“The Many Faces of lil Steven”
“The Man in the Mirror”
“Fear Builds Walls ( Roger Waters)”
“The Chairman of the Board (Sinatra)”
“Imagine Peace (John Lennon)”
