Real Verdigris
Having recently written about verdigris, and the art of creating its look as a faux finisher and decorative artist, I was attuned to a variety of naturally occurring verdigris surfaces I saw all over beautiful Balboa Park, on a recent trip to sunny San Diego. Such beautiful texture, hue, and depth of surface, to say nothing of the sense of history, and paradoxically, timelessness, that the oxidation process produces…or, shall we say, creates.
Here are some Varieties of Verdigris for your viewing pleasure:
Remember, verdigris is the natural patina which forms on the surface of copper, bronze, or brass as it is exposed to air and water, wind and weather over time. In essence, it is the weathering, or tarnishing of these metals, and shows itself in a variety of green hues. The verdigris above was produced by the slow tarnish of the bronze equine sculpture seen at top, galloping into a cloud-studded sky. The green-hued substance has, over time, formed on the bronze surface, and dripped onto the stone base of the statue, lending it an air of age, mystery and grandeur.
Above, the powdery residue of verdigris has formed predominantly at the base of this bronze sculpture. For the scientifically-minded, verdigris is a “complex chemical mixture of compounds, complexes and water, with primary components of copper salts of acetate, carbonate, chloride, formate, hydroxide and sulfate. Secondary components include metallic salts, acids, organic and mineral.“
A soft patina of blueish verdigris is forming over the bronze surface of this Barbara Hepworth sculpture, further texturing its surface, and adding visual depth. The addition of the natural blueish-green pigmentation also ties the piece into the landscape of the sculpture garden where it resides. Living outside really does help that verdigris process along!
The same could be said of this wall relief. Perhaps the verdigris process is moving more slowly here because this piece is somewhat sheltered by the pavilion style open-air cafe where it is installed.
The heavily verdigrised sculpture rising out of the cafe’s pool provides a perch for a brightly-hued visitor. Here both the elements of air and water are definitely at play in creating the strong verdigris hues. Both the surrounding chairs and the duck’s feet add a complementary pop of color to the scene.
This fellow just seemed so comfortable on its verdigris perch. Its green head feathers, the blue pool, and saturated verdigris coloration come together to create a scene of both harmony and humor. The feeling is peaceful, yet alert, as we know the duck could take flight and vanish from the picture at any moment. While watching this beauty, my friend Janet said, “I am communing with the duck”. I hope, through this post, you can, too!
Have you seen a beautiful, or timeless verdigris surface on one of your daily jaunts lately?
If you feel so inspired, share it with us here. We love to hear from you.
Remember, we are all communing with this thing called Life, together.
Happy Verdigris!
Poet and Muse
Nikigator
Artissima - Blog of ArtiFactory Studio 