Stealer of Secrets 

Michael C. Hayes’s ‘Stealer of Secrets’ shows a fantasy rogue, rendered in what appears to be oil on canvas. The smooth blending of light and shadow and attention to texture are hallmarks of the traditional medium. But this is where things get interesting because the material itself is used to create the artwork with all its materiality as color and form. Notice the way the colors are distributed across the canvas, carefully applied and layered to build the artwork’s visual and tactile qualities. Hayes’s technique, which is likely to include sketches, underpainting, and careful build-up of layers, has parallels with many other histories of creative practice. In traditional art, materials and making often become invisible, but the way they determine the final form remains crucial. By understanding the materials and processes behind its creation, we can deepen our appreciation of the artwork. This approach challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft and encourages us to value the skill and artistry involved in making.