The oil painting technique used is classical, such as that used by Caravaggio. In this style, the skin undercoat is green with skin tones applied in subsequent layers, usually over ten and sometimes up to thirty in order to achieve a rich, natural effect. The cherubs are inspired by a Mantegna fresco, and the angel by Da Vinci's painting "Annunciation to the Virgin". I have painted these on shaped marine ply to easily blend with modern decor. The oil on canvas modern portraits are in the same traditional style. Catherine Denaes (c) 2002 - 2006