OXFORD – 6 On The Square (6OTS) announces the opening of its second art exhibit of 2015: one-of-a-kind, flame “painted” copper wall art by Elizabeth and Robert Yates of Studio Yates. The formal opening reception will be held Friday, March 6 from 5 – 7 p.m.

The McDonough artists will present more than a dozen of their shimmering creations to the public for display, and be on hand to explain the process and principle of their craft.

Since 1993, Robert and Elizabeth Yates have continually evolved their works into what they describe today as "Fire Paintings." The foundation of the unusual compositions is the exclusive use of copper as a “canvas” combined with the fire of a torch used a brush and palette to create the images.

The chemical and physical oxidation processes of heated copper reveals beautiful colors which can me manipulated by varying degrees of temperature, which replaces the pigment of paint to introduce color.

Every touch of the torch dictates contrast, color and composition and the resulting landscapes and abstracts are full of graceful movement and flow, much like that of an oil and canvas medium.

Give the malleability of the soft metal, a three dimensional textural element is sometimes introduced into the works – a result of pressing, hammering or embossing – serving to further complement the richness of detail.