Quent Cordair Fine Art

About Jerald Rough' ~

The son of an aircraft designer, Jerald Rough's interest in aesthetics came naturally. At an early age he studied technical and mechanical art, going on to work for a large advertising firm, designing layout. Upon joining the Merchant Marines he found much time on his hands with which to hone his artistic abilities, executing seascapes and marine subjects during the subsequent twelve years at sea.

In 1980, he was invited to attend the Advanced Techniques Workshop at the Luis Busta Art School in San Mateo, California, where still-life painting captured his interest. Under the tutelage of such instructors as the renowned Roberto Lupetti and Charles Becker, he perfected the techniques of trompe l'oeil* and stylized realism manifest in his work today.

The method the artist employs to achieve the glass-like finish of his work on panel virtually eliminates brush strokes. The painting is executed on acid-free panel, and once completed and totally dry, five to seven coats of varnish are applied. After each coat, a light abrasive material is rubbed over the surface of the dry varnish, under a light flow of water which acts as a cushion to further soften the sanding effect. The final varnishing is done in a dust free environment.

The still lifes of Jerald Rough' are distinguished by a theme of the sensual pleasures to be found in daily culinary fare. A dash of the artist's intelligent wit often gives the viewer a second smile. His work is sought by prominent West Coast collectors. The artist's "A Kiss Among Strangers" garnered the "1999 Artist of the Year Award," Millbrae Arts Association.

* Trompe-l'oeil: (fr.) designed to give an illusion of reality, (deceives the eye).