The Alchemy of Varnish and Finish

Varnishing feels like sealing a letter you’ve finally finished writing. It changes everything—color deepens, contrasts sharpen, surfaces unify. I choose satin finishes for subtle glow, gloss when I want light to skate across the surface. Matte can be intimate but tricky—it can flatten depth if applied too heavily. Before varnishing, I let the painting rest for weeks, so I can meet it with fresh eyes. I sometimes apply unevenly on purpose to emphasize certain passages. It’s a ritual of closure but also release: once varnished, the painting no longer belongs solely to me. It’s ready to face the world and its own interpretations.