
“Golden Gator” was one of the most difficult projects I have ever created in batik. Sometimes people ask me “How long did it take you to create a painting like this”? Often I would like to say a set number, but in reality this process to paint with wax and dye on silk has been a lifelong learning experience. In this painting there were over 5 hours just to get my drawing on to the silk, then another 15 hours of waxing and dying the piece; 30 minutes to remove the wax. This was followed by 2 hours to steam and set the dyes, 30 minutes to remove excess dye and dry, 45 minutes to mount the silk to a canvas support and another two hours to apply protective varnish plus four hours to dry. Whew! What a mouthful! The pictures below show the finished piece going through its final stages. I thought it came out rather well. What style batik would you like to see me create next? Additions to my “Wash Day” (or clothesline) Series? More paintings from my “Agua”, or water series? Scenes form the Naples Botanical Garden? Please email me and let me know your thoughts!

