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All Things Ampersand

Featured Artist: Ian Bodnaryk

Avatar Ampersand | November 8, 2013 | acrylic paint gessobord hardbord Ian Bodnaryk Kingston Prize portrait | 0 Comments
Salama, 11″ x 14″, acrylic

“I have found that Ampersand panels are unmatched and provide the ideal painting substrate for my high detailed work.  I previously made my own panels, but found that I could rarely get a flawless surface.  With Ampersand Museum Series panels, I receive an ideal texture with little to no fuss.”  ~Ian Bodnaryk

Inquisition, 15″ x 20″, acrylic

Canadian artist, Ian Bodnaryk has been working in acrylics for more than 20 years, and it is evident, from the scrupulous detail in his work and the careful planning of the design, that each piece is constructed with skillful precision and thoughtfulness. Ian began his career in realism, enjoying the natural beauty in an object, even if one might find the subject ordinary or mundane. “I love the challenge of turning objects around my home into dramatic icons, while retaining the simplicity or humor of the subject,” he explains.

Choosing to work in acrylics was natural for Ian, as he learned how to paint and found his style with them, gathering along the way that they achieve the results he needs.  With the quick drying time, Ian can focus on one piece at a time, his working preference.  For a time, Ian made his own panels, but struggled to get a flawless surface. Considering the reviews of fellow Scratchbord™ artists, Ian decided to try Ampersand’s panels. He found that the high quality met his needs without much preparation. 

The Contemplation of Daniel, 20″ x 16″, acrylic,
Kingston Prize Finalist


Ian explains his process using Hardbord™, the unprimed, museum quality board Ampersand sells. “When using unprimed Hardbord, I will first seal the surface with two coats of GAC100. After an appropriate amount of drying time, I begin the priming process. I normally thin the gesso by about 20%.  I apply the gesso with a 2″ hake brush using criss-cross brush strokes. After each coat is applied, I will use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.  Once the gesso is dry and cool, I will sand the surface using a 200 grit sanding block to eliminate all the brush marks. This process is repeated 6 to 8 times. The last two coats, I will normally tint the gesso with my background color. When using a board that is not cradled, I will apply several coats to the back of the panel to eliminate any warping.” After completing a painting, Ian does varnish with a spray varnish, he shares, “Varnishing is the key to maintain the life, vibrancy, and safety of your piece.”


Earlier this year, Ian became one of 30 finalists of the Kingston Prize, a biennial national competition for contemporary portraits by Canadian artists.  To see Ian’s work in person, you can visit The Art Gallery of Calgary in Alberta, Canada where his work as part of the Kingston Prize exhibit will be on display through January 25, 2014.

To view more of Ian’s work online, you can visit his website at:  www.ianbodnaryk.com or find him on Facebook:  facebook.com/ibodnaryk

All things Ampersand, 
Karyn Meyer-Berthel 
Artist & Social Media Specialist 
Ampersand Art Supply 

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