Lots of people like stones... and that's a good thing, since I happen to be someone who paints on stones.
I also get lots of questions about "why" I do certain things, and whether I'd be willing to do something different "just for them." The latter mostly happens during outside arts and crafts shows... people want to know — having seen that I paint geometric mandalas — whether I can paint their dog on a stone, or a lighthouse, or any number of other things.
A finished stone; that is it has a "finish"
Typically, I just smile politely and explain that I "don't have time" for commissions.
Some people who are — I suppose — into natural things want to know why I put a finish on the design.
"Wouldn't it be nicer and more true to the natural nature of a beach stone to NOT put a finish on it?" they want to know.
In truth, I've tried it, but the design just doesn't look as good.
A large Heart Chakra stone before the finish coat is applied
As most artists probably recognize, the creative process is a constant series of experiments. In many ways, I'd actually prefer not to add the finish coat because it's a time consuming and tricky process (the finish coat actually "melts" the paint and can cause the design to "blur," if I'm not extremely careful and patient with it), but the finished stones just don't look as good without their shiny finish.
Besides, it protects the design and thus makes it last longer. A lot of my stones end up being actively used in meditation and sacred ceremonies, so durability is a really good idea!
Also unfinished — these colors will become really intense during the next step
In any case, I have just come to embrace that giving every stone a finish coat is simply a part of the process.
It's not really an artistic process I suppose, but it's definitely a functional one.
Thanks for reading!
Because I am trying to make some semblance of income — a living, even — I now add this footer to all my posts, in the hope that someone, somewhere, might decide to take a further look at my work, and perhaps consider supporting independent art.
Thank you, in advance, for your consideration and support!
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2020.05.27 AS-TXT-039/005