Paradox1, 2020

Continuing the series of paintings with a metal military helmet, in this case, a British Tanker WW2 one. I wanted to portray older people in something only worn in earnest by younger people; there lies the paradox. I have long been interested in the industrial design mantra of "Form follows Function", ably represented by military helmet design. So many national variants, but all with the same purpose: to protect young men and women in war.

A Rowney Cryla acrylic base coat of burnt orange was applied over the gesso manufacturer's finish. Opaque pigments were used to lay down some areas, also acting as undercoating for some subject matter. Subsequent layers of acrylic paint were applied, laced with Liquidex airbrush medium and deionised water as a wash layer. This thin multiple layering of pigment allows for a degree of luminosity, avoiding the usual flat acrylic finish. It was finished with a coat of Winsor & Newton Satin UV varnish; this not only protects the painting but has a unifying effect.