I learned to draw filigree a couple of years ago while painting “Lighthearted.” Filigree is an ornamental, decorative flourishing pattern that started in metalwork. It’s been around since 3000 BC. Today, it’s still on American money, architecture, and very popular for tattoos. I’ve always been too picky to choose a tattoo but if I ever get a tattoo, it’ll probably be some type of filigree design.

Painting filigree for me is like taking a break from working while still working. Filigree means absolutely nothing. It’s just pretty. While drawing and painting filigree, instead of doing my usual mental gymnastics, it lets me create freely. Freeligree! Oh no, I just did it again. I’ve got to get a filigrip, don’t you filagree?