[Leopoldo Benavidez]

Doug,

The issues of the use of maroger, like always, seems to continue to be debated. If the evidence of its failures were so conclusive, I believe artists would have discontinued its use years ago. I have several paintings done exclusively with this medium that date back more than 10 years with no visible signs of deteriation, but I do have paintings that cracked with the use of liquin! Years ago, I was introduced to maroger by David Leffel, in his work that he rendered so beautifully using this medium. The handling qualities of maroger are wonderful, particularly when it is applied with loaded brushes in ala prima techniques.

As an artist, I find myself in a continued state of evolution, exploring new horizons to keep from being completely bored from repetition. One of those areas is in the use and exploration of different mediums like maroger, wax, copal, canada balsam, amber, stand oil or just plain linseed oil. I found each has its place. I have moved to a point in my work, where I don