Bella Rotta is the name I use to describe my technique. It is Italian for Beautiful Broken. In my art, the cracks are real; it is not a "crackle finish" and I encourage people to touch and feel the work. Most people are drawn to the tactile nature of the paintings and I want to encourage that sense of touch. In order to replicate the effect of extreme age and texture, I use a complex ten-step process that allows me to manipulate my work to give it the essence of having survived centuries. I start by making my own canvas. When the canvas has been properly prepared, I am ready to paint using hand mixed oil paint. Oils evoke a depth of richness in the color, and when carefully overlaid, will convey a mood in the art. My layering of color builds an effect unlike newly created art. I am sharing the deep emotion of the rich heritage I feel while working. Throughout the whole painting process I use my hands to gently age the new image. Finally, I adhere the painting to a self-constructed wooden frame. I will continue adding more oil paint either in very thin applications or with a bold palette knife as the moment takes me and the painting becomes alive within me. I want the painting to look like you discovered an ancient fresco somewhere, and found a way to bring it home.