The Process

Ultimately, the process begins with your first email, followed by deposit payment, and finally mailing of the ashes.

My work begins by further processing the ashes into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle specifically designated for this purpose. Once the remains are fine enough to mix, they are added to oil paints and the underpainting starts. I prefer to utilize all of the remains during the tonal underpainting process, as the addition of ash can dull the colors. There is, admittedly, a personal delight in the idea that their remains are the foundation upon which the image grows.

Through the following sessions, layers of color are added, and texture is built, breathing life into the painting.

Once dry, the painting and any unused remains are shipped to you. This will most often be about a month from when I receive the ashes.

Throughout this process, respect and care for your loved one’s remains is of the highest importance. With this in mind, I utilize all of the ash mixed in the paint and ensure no remains will ever end up down a sink or mixed in brush cleaner. For this, I complete the underpainting in one day, with no rinsing of the brushes. A designated paint rag is used in the event that a brush needs to be wiped of excess paint.

Upon completion of the underpainting, the rag is rolled with the paint and ash mixture on the inside, tied around the brushes used, and set aside to dry.

The tied brushes and any unused remains are included when the painting is shipped.