Glass Houses - Original Painting

Glass Houses.  30" X 24" X 2"  Mixed Media on fine art paper laminated to a wood panel. Framed and ready to hang

“If architects weren’t arrogant, they wouldn’t be architects - Philip Johnson

As the eye traverses this intricate tapestry, a vertical axis of birch trees emerges on the left, standing like earthly sentinels against the abstract vastness. Their tactile reality offers an arresting juxtaposition to the kaleidoscope of shapes, each layer whispering tales of past and present in a dialogue of shadows and light. The birch trees, their textures vivid as ancient memories, ground the piece in nature's eternal cycle, their presence a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and organic splendor.

Inspired by the visionary reflections of architect Philip Johnson, "Glass Houses" is a contemplative exploration of transparency and opacity, of structure and spontaneity. The mixed media technique—a confluence of acrylic, ink, and collage—breathes an otherworldly life into the piece, crafting a dialogue where architecture becomes the muse, and art the oracle. It stands as a testament to the enigmatic beauty found at the intersection of human innovation and the untamed wilderness, where every angle and curve becomes an intimate narrative in the celestial dance of art and space.

My mixed media paintings consist of acrylic paint and digital collage. They are painted on museum quality archival paper and then laminated to a cradled wood panel, varnished, waxed and then framed in a black floater frame. Each piece begins as a digital study on an iPad where the basic composition and coloring is determined before the hand painted original is started.

About the Artist

Frank Trocino is a retired architect turned painter currently residing in Santa Fe New Mexico. His path to Santa Fe began in New York, then to Oregon as a young child through College. From there he lived in Italy, Los Angeles, the Middle East, Portland, and Austin. Franks work can be seen in galleries, hotels, and the homes of private collectors internationally. He is a mixed media artist using acrylic paint, ink and collage and his subject matter is primarily couples and buildings.