A gesso board is primed with linseed oil and a mix of several oil colors (typically red iron oxide and ultramarine blue) are brushed onto the board. A grid is etched onto the painted panel and the same grid (in proportion) is placed on a reference photo. Focusing on the gridded photo guides the rub-out in line with the various values in the image. The method teaches not only values levels but allows for learning depth ratios and shapes.

A gesso board is primed with linseed oil and a mix of several oil colors (typically red iron oxide and ultramarine blue) are brushed onto the board. A grid is etched onto the painted panel and the same grid (in proportion) is placed on a reference photo. Focusing on the gridded photo guides the rub-out in line with the various values in the image. The method teaches not only values levels but allows for learning depth ratios and shapes.

No prior painting experience is required to learn the oil rub-out technique, and minimal tools/oils are needed.

Artist Statement

Lisa retired from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and now lives in both Macomb IL (in the warm months) and Tubac, AZ. For over thirty years Lisa’s avocation was pottery – specializing in thrown and hand-built porcelain. She transitioned to painting 9 years ago, studying with Leslie Miller at the Tubac School of Fine Art. During this time her work has appeared in juried shows and exhibits, including a two person show at StartaArta Gallery in New York City, and recognized with several awards: Ursula Seuss Abstract Award, Tubac Center for the Arts (2022).

Lisa’s work focuses mainly on oil. She learned the oil rub-out technique from Leslie and taught classes for several years at the Tubac School. Her current work focuses on abstract painting with oil and cold wax. Layers are built up and taken away – typically up to 8-10 layers of oil and cold wax are applied (some with an underlying oil rub-out) and a final coat of wax is buffed to add a polished patina. The images are created intuitively and often, but not always, interpreted from her background as a researcher in the neurobehavior sciences

“You don’t follow your passion; your passion follows you.”

412-613-2123 – email: morrowla53@gmail.com