Ria de Henau's paintings are built up in accordance with traditions originating from the 15th and early 16th centuries. This involves starting from a drawing, which is then painted in grisaille. This technical term refers to painting using a single colour. At this stage the artist is already able to indicate the shades of light and dark.

When this first monochrome coat is complete and has dried, work can continue using several coats of transparent colour in oil paint (glacis). This is an extremely precise job demanding great patience. Layer is painted over layer to achieve a sense of depth that results from the reflection of light off the individual layers. The final, finishing coat consists of areas of oil paint that cover more fully, enhancing the painting as a whole.

The canvas used is made of best-quality linen of Flemish origin, which once again takes us back to the old traditions.