I can't believe how long it has been since I have done any painting. I have been a contractor for the restoration of a 1912 heritage building, terracotta. It included the sculpting of 4 sixteen foot columns, back to 1912 photos. I thought is was going to be a a year - turned out to be two, just finished in sept.

In the process - also a major move, from a cramped studio and house in Vancouver, to a five acre farm about 3/4 hour away. Beautiful, peaceful countryside - huge house and grounds (before you think I won the lottery - no - just much reduced rent for caretaking - so I'm sort of like Tom Sellick in Magnum PI - except I don't have a mustache tee hee). The first thing I did was break my leg - it is only since I finished the restoration that I have finally got everything unpacked.

So back to fresco! I have used up the last of my lime, but luckily I have a big, vertical mortar mixer now. The beautiful, pure, air classified lime from texada island is still available locally - about $250 for a ton/pallet.

What I will be painting and carving is decorative panels. My question is what are these called in Europe, etc.? They were often panels to brighten up a room, never really considered fine art, but decorative art, applied art? I am also painting fresco versions of mosaics, especially Roman African mosaics. During this period, the same designs we see in the mosaics would have been on the walls everywhere - but without the technical limitation of using tiny tiles.

I have some other fresco news too - will send in as it becomes available.

I know Ilia has been busy painting ceilings -what has everybody else been up to?