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We wanted to give you a huge update on your commission and what better way than with multi-media!

Nestor started out by adding a substance called “gesso” to the surface of the canvas. White the canvas already had a layer when it arrived, Nestor likes to hand apply his own additional layers. Not only does it provide him a much better surface to apply the paint but it also allows him to “get to know” the canvas because he covers every square inch of it by hand!

The work was started with thought given to how it would look at the height and angle it was shown as in the designer mockup we were first given, so Nestor always had that in mind for the final result that would be seen when viewed from that vantage point. You can see from the progressive series that his application of the paint is quite precise. He paints at all hours and he frequently was working at 4 in the morning. Nestor really works when he is moved to do so (one of the greatest benefits of having the working and living space integrated) and I think it really shows in his overall work and quite clear in your commissioned work as well. Obviously photos and even video can not do a massive work like this justice and it takes time to understand how complex this work is even when you see it in person, but I will try to capture the basic elements to give you a taste or “feel” if you will of the work.

You have seen the start of the work with large swatches of color across the pristine white canvas. Over the days Nestor continued to work driven with the creative spark taking into account all of the information from the initial feel of the existing works you first referenced to the detailed information gained from your visit to the studio.

Here the initial base colors are added.

I think that you will notice in some of the early photos of the work that even with direct lighting the painting appears flat or dull. This is normal as they are not glossy acrylic colors. This is not what you want for a dynamic work in your amazing loft space! Then Nestor thought about it more and semi-gloss would, while giving some shine, would still have the same “flattening” of the surface as a whole. He then decided that full gloss was not desirable with because when it is viewed on a flat surface it has a “hot spot” which directly reflects the light source in a mirror like fashion. This is simply too much when you have multiple light sources (especially at night with the multilevel lighting planned.

The Creative Process

Nestor studies the work painting with various tools to apply the paint

The work is simply to large and dynamic to have a simple spayed on gloss finish. Nestor decided to take advantage of the gloss situation/potential with a solution that he has used many times before in works that not only gives them a unique quality but also a distinctive added element of complexity which is ideally suited to your painting! He decided that rather than do a simplistic flat layer of gloss medium he would hand apply a substance called “dimensional” and apply it using techniques that he developed and perfected himself!

Finest quality acrylics always used for my abstract artwork
Finest quality acrylics always used for my abstract artwork

Textured Sealer Hand Applied

Nestor’s special hand applied technique of adding the sealer has multiple benefits for the work as will become clear in the photos and videos

Let me explain further that this technique/finish will completely eliminate all of the needs for any sort of more “primitive” treatment. He decided that he would apply by hand a thicker sealer that dries totally clear and yet keeps its dimensional quality. The result is a semi-gloss effect over all but much more than that. Because of the all the hand dribbled layering of this sealer the texture becomes more apparent as you will see in some of the video and photos (especially the close-ups) so that when a bright light source is hitting it will light up the colors underneath to brilliant levels and yet cast a slight shadow on the surface for a contrast to show the raised layering. Difficult to envision I know, but hopefully my photography will give you some idea.

Another benefit of this technique is that it really brings out and intensifies the colors. If you compare some of the early works you can see how the same colors now ‘’pop”.

Artist Nestor Toro working on commission
Artist Nestor Toro working on commission

The painting will actually “adapt” to the lighting situation be that at night with the cascading multi-layer bulbs (which are going to look amazing with this technique), to the full daylight coming in the full length windows, to a mixture of both. It simply works because of this unique technique that Nestor has perfected over the years and as you can see is very reminiscent of Jackson Pollock with the drizzling in an unconscious yet deliberate pattern to the standing over the work placed flat on the floor which gives a totally new perspective as well for Nestor to give yet another dimension to the work!

You might recall that we discussed the colorfastness of the paint being exposed to direct sunlight in the location it is to be displayed in. The acrylic paint Nestor used for your work are the best quality and have been tested and rated to not color shift or fade even with continuous exposure to light for hundreds of years! You recall the hand priming that Nestor initially with the gesso (the white substance applied to the canvas prior to any actual paint) is neutral in its ph and will therefore, not chemically react with the acrylic paint at all. Remember that this is even before the clear dimensional was hand applied which has the added benefit of filtering out UV rays. Keep in mind that oil painting have been around for 500 years and quality acrylics such as the ones Nestor used for your painting are rated to last at least that long so do not worry about light damage or fading!

Closeup Images Of Hand Applied Sealer

Here are some closeups taken at an angle to (hopefully) give you some idea of the 3 dimensionality of the finish and why it is so ideally suited for your work and its location

The color for the sides of the work have not been determined yet. Considering the curtain material you brought there are elements of both shades of blue with the lighter shade being slightly more reflective so that is his recommendation for facing outward and toward the painting. He intends to paint the sides in yellow as it is will provide a wonderful lightness giving the painting the appearance of being even larger (since the wall color is white) and will also coordinate with the accent color of the yellow furnishings your designer has chosen so everything will be tied in wonderfully and look stunning.

I think you are really going to be thrilled with the work. The sides need to be finished and of course, he would like to know where you would like it signed (he normally places it in the lower right corner).

Hope you love what you see! Nestor

Finished Abstract Artwork by Nestor Toro in Los Angeles
Finished Abstract Artwork by Nestor Toro in Los Angeles
Installed abstract artwork by Los Angeles abstract artist - Nestor Toro
Installed abstract artwork by Los Angeles abstract artist - Nestor Toro