In the case of Nathan Bennetts' Patina Paintings, a patina painting begins as a flat, eighth of an inch thick sheet of silica bronze.

  The surface of the sheet of bronze is then sanded down and polished leaving a beautifully shiny, reflective surface.

  At this point, the bronze sheet is ready to be "painted". However, the paints in this case are a mixture of chemicals, oxides, nitrates, and acids, which are suspended in water before being applied to the bronze.

  In order to apply theses chemicals to the bronze, a great magnitude of heat is needed. To acheive this heat, Nathan uses the flame of a blowtorch.

  The colors produced vary according to the amount of heat applied and the specific measurements of the chemical mixture, which Nathan has learned and perfected through a long process of trial-and-error.

  The last step in the process cannot be taught or learned. That step is creativity and an eye for design and beauty.

  As a final, personal touch, Nathan Bennett not only engraves his signature, he also leaves an imprint of his thumb on the back of each Patina Painting.