Cloudscape on Copper

Oil on copper paintings were prevalent in the mid sixteenth century in Italy and Northern Europe. The use of copper as a substrate for an oil painting dates back to Medieval times. It has a smooth, non-absorbent surface that increases color saturation and gives a warm tonality to a work of art. Oil paint creates a natural chemical bond with the copper. The 5 x 7 panel is a 0.3 mm real copper plate mounted to a rigid 4mm aluminum composite (ACM) panel to ensure longevity. 

I allowed some of the copper to show through to give this little gem a warm glow - depending on how the light hits, it can look completely different. The painting has been varnished, so that any exposed copper will retain natural color and prevent oxidation. This painting is unframed and can be put into any standard 5 x 7 open back or floater frame.