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?

Hi Gary,

Welcome back.

Can you visit LA now?
There is quite a bit I would have shown you if you did come to the studio...

I did crack the Pompeii and put it into contemporary material - the fresco is genuane true buon... but how about 1/4 total, over blueboard and you need a chisel to get it off or even scratch... haha

I've often wondered about blueboard. Supposed to be 1/8" plaster and lime putty, then another 1/8" lime putty/fine sand. Is this enough to suck pigment, or are you putting much thicker layers on?

I will be sending you a documentary on a large true fresco mural at the Westminster Abbey here, Father Dunstan - a benedictine monk and remarkable man. You can approach the documentary maker about distribution, etc.

I am planning a major 'breakway' fresco with a U.S. fine artist of considerable talent. I am getting a metal frame engineered and welded - appr 16.5 ft by 20 ft. - hydraulically lifts from horizontal to vertical - portable too. This has been in the planning for some time - matter of where rather than when. It will also include 3d modelled elements in (lime based) stucco.

L.A. would be nice right now - Vancouver has had a rare snow and then cold snap - open the freezer door on your refrigerator to see a diorama of Vancouver!

>I've often wondered about blueboard. Supposed to
>be 1/8" plaster and lime putty, then another
>1/8" lime putty/fine sand. Is this enough to
>suck pigment, or are you putting much thicker
>layers on?

not telling - only showing...

pictures wont do and explanations wont work without visuals.

visuals however mesmerizing...