Mini Bird Series (Gold), Patrick Guyton

Guyton, Patrick Mini Bird Series (Gold) 2013 10" x 8" Mixed media on aluminum with sized gold or silver leaf, veined by hand. Hand-signed in pigment lower right by the artist. A unique work. The image was created using a combination of urethane, UV curable ink, acrylic paint and a chemical cocktail that is proprietary to the artist. It is then covered with high-gloss urethane clear coating. Collectors will receive a different example from the same series, than the one presented. The work received is also a mixed-media work, hand created by the artist and is a unique work, yielding characteristics which vary with each work in the series. The artist has offered the following regarding care for the work: For cleaning, use a dry, soft cloth to lightly rub off dust. To remove fingerprints, use a diluted, detail dust-off spray, which can be obtained at an auto parts store. The surface coating is the same clear coat as used on an automobile finish. The motivation for depicting hummingbirds derived from Guyton’s choice of medium in gold leaf. Guyton says he couldn’t imagine painting something heavy or cumbersome on such light materials, so he sought out subjects that would match the substrate. This led to experimenting with depicting hummingbirds in his art. After painting several birds, he wasn’t sure whether to pursue it. While contemplating the subject one day, he opened up his drink – a Snapple – and read the bottom of the cap; he was stunned to see that it said “a hummingbird weighs less than a penny.” He owns the cap to this day as a reminder. “I thought ‘well, okay, let’s do hummingbirds,’” Guyton tells with a smile.