In order to "get something going" I start by troweling multiple layers of marmorino and/or grassello - which are white marble-based lime putties from Italy - onto hardboard. After whipping the grassello down onto hardboard in quick color layers I carve into it to create underlying structure. The next days will find me picking out areas to cover with brass or silver or gold leaf, pouring washes that settle into the carving and pushing things around. The final days will be about pulling forward or masking earlier layers and adding detail using gouache, varnishes, and cold wax. Here are some images of work in progress and the studio.