Artist Reply: Dear Anneke, Thank you for your interest. I will share my acestors, secret method, but with nobody else but you! Thick cardboard cut from the side of a big box helps a lot. I pour or ladle on a lot of very thick house paint -- in this, case ORANGE for Netherland! -- from the bottom of the can without stiring it up, having poured off the top thin stuff into another container to use some other way for something else. Then I leave it in the sun to dry and it cracks up variously. Over time it will crack up even without warmth, if VERY thick so it can’t run away! Best to do a number of these, including little boxes, at once if possible and on a mean-spirited neighbor’s yard! When it has dried and cracked-up, you have a background for this painting and various other unusual effects. I use it for self-portraits! Thank you for asking, Anneke, and now I will expect to see an interesting painting from you -- St. Patrick’s Day would be about time enough -- whoops -- Anneke, I forgot about your climate! Maybe about Halloween time! Love, Peace, etc., Bruce