COPPER: 2 New Trees finished, Experimenting with patina.

I have really been loving to work in 3D. Copper is really awesome, soft, easy to bend, and beautiful. I recently have been experimenting with patina for a large copper panel project. After some research I ended up talking to an artist in Aspen, CO who works with large scale copper projects for ski lodges and large homes. With some of his advice and lots of experimenting I am ready for the arrival of my two 8'x3' copper panels to work with..here are a few shots of the experiments.

 The copper surface needs to be sanded, and then totally degreased with acetone before the aging process can begin

 In a matter of minutes the copper take on an beautiful aged look.

After hours of trial and error I have been able to produce tones of aging for the project. These are small test sheets, the real 8 foot wide sheets will be used to face the front desk at the entrance to our office.
Bill

A new tree!

Still getting the hang of this but finished my second wire tree this weekend.

A new medium. Wire Trees

I have recently been trying out some new ways to create art, most of the intention is to make objects for decorations around my home.

This past weekend I saw some amazing sculptures at a gallery in Portsmouth, NH made of wire and was very inspired to go out and try it right away. Last night on my way home from work I stopped at home depot and bought some copper wire. Bare in mind this is my first go at it. I must say it is very rewarding and I plan to go back to the 'depot today to get 500' more wire. ( I started with 40', this tree is 20'. ) I already feel like I learned a lot and cant wait to make the next one.

Started with this.

Although I have a lot more work to refine this tree to the way I want it to look, I am thinking about leaving it outdoors for a few weeks to let the copper oxidize...green patina would be amazing!

Let me know what you think!
-Bill