Painting Construction

My paintings are basically boxes. They are constructed of 1" x 1 1/2" wood frame with Masonite glued to the frame instead of canvas because I can be harder on it than I could with canvas. I prime, sand, and apply several coats of latex paint. It doesn't really matter what color because this is just something to get started with. Then, I use acrylic markers to make marks with. I'm not trying to draw anything in particular. It is just freehand, stream of consciousness type mark making. This is to get the conversation going with the new work. I usually work on several pieces at a time, so that while the paint dries on one, I can continue the conversation with another. I enjoy creating tension by juxtaposing visual depth and flat space in a painting. By working with multiple layers, I am able to discover shapes and combinations that I wasn't expecting. I choose to work with acrylics because of the immediacy and ability to quickly create additional layers. Once the painting is finished, I use Liquitex Satin Varnish to protect the painting from UV rays and make it easier to clean.