Denise's paintings evolve slowly out of a process
in which many transparent layers of oil paint are applied
to Yupo synthetic paper. The number of layers has multiplied over the years to enhance the luminosity, richness and depth.

Abstracted line drawings are engraved early on in the
painting's inception. Denise uses large carpentry nails to
etch the drawn lines and marks. "The challenge is to dig
deep enough to get the drawings to hold paint without
puncturing the surface."

Midway through the painting's evolution, some areas of color are partially or completely rubbed off using solvents and new color shapes are added.

The final stage of the process is to add small contrasting
areas of darker, opaque paint using various masking
techniques. These painted shapes create foreground images and enhance the overall depth.