Table of Contents
1. Ecological Painting of Heritage
Introduction:
The artist, painter Vaclovas Vekerotas often uses organic materials in his work in order to achieve the naturalness of colors and the texture of his paintings. For example, when painting large works for white office interiors, the artist likes to use gravel, which gives such work a structural texture. The main themes of his works are natural landscapes, the sea, old ships, old wooden houses in the village or town, churches, Lithuanian heritage. His painting “Marijampole Evangelical Lutheran Church” captures the Marijampole Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in the middle of the nineteenth century, which has survived various periods of its life. It was both a church and a school, during the Soviet era it was turned into a grain warehouse and a swimming pool where children were taught to swim. Now, during the period of Lithuania’s independence, it again fulfills its function – it serves the needs of believers.
1.1 Materials and performance:
When painting, the artist often uses not only organic paints, but also various organic materials. For this work, the “Marijampole Evangelical Lutheran Church” artist did not use a linen canvas, but a painting board that had already lived one life. Materials found in nature were used for the work – gravel, soil, sand, little stones. Natural bone glue and organic acrylic paints were also used for this work. By the way, the artist often uses not only a brush, but also paints with his fingers.
The board was washed clean. Using natural glue and gravel, a mass was prepared, with the help of which the shape of the drawn object is formed and modeled, the structure is constructed, thus forming a bas-relief painting. In order to obtain the most natural colors possible, the artist mixes acrylic paints with earth, sand, gravel, and then paints on an already structured surface. Painting using natural materials provides more diverse color and textural possibilities. The picture becomes not only textured, but bas-relief.
1.2 Waste reduction, sustainability:
The artist deliberately chose not a linen canvas, which is usually used in painting, but a board. The board used for the painting has already been used many times, it has been mixed with paint for several years, and has helped in the creation of other paintings. Additional materials are found in nature, they are used wisely without causing any harm to nature. Such work perfectly responds to natural conditions and can be exhibited in nature. The painting does not pollute nature. When its life comes to end, it will return to nature, the wood will rot, bones, gravel, other materials will return to the earth.
Benefits:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a heritage of the city’s history. Artists love plein airs, during which they draw and paint objects of cultural and historical heritage in nature. Therefore, such works seem to ask for the use of as many ecological materials as possible. Artist V. Vekerotas teaches such painting techniques his students and colleagues. Students need to be explained about environmental protection, ecological materials, the cycle of nature and the circular economy. In plein air, he is happy to share his technique with fellow professional artists. Also, the artist creates assemblages, collages with the students, encouraging the students to use not only earth materials, but also surviving objects or their remains – buttons, leather, buckles, etc. While still studying, future artists understand the importance of preserving nature, reducing waste, become familiar with concepts of sustainability and circular economy, so it is likely that artists of the future generations will protect the Earth.
