I use a variety of techniques in developing this art work. My wood is typically pine, aspen or elderman spruce. The recipe for the gesso dates back to the Byzantine era in the Mediterrean. It contains rabbit skin glue and marble dust. The pigments I use are all natural and my varnish is made of pinon sap. Pigments absorb into the gesso making the piece of art very durable and long lasting. I often use the technique of sgraffito which is scratching into the surface of the gesso to make a design. The final coat on the piece is homemade varnish made of pinon sap and a coating of beeswax.