Last year’s Versailles, France workshop and tour was a huge success. Join Pierre Finkelstein and Jean Sablé for classic instruction on a unique panel. Click here for more information and to see the class panel. Save the date!
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Real ornament
May 29, 2013 by 3 Comments
Exterior marble White Carrera, vein-less. You can really see the effect of rain over the years – see the rounding of the carvings. This is a classic, super ornate ceiling. Typical of 19th c and created under Louis Philippe. Notice the trompe l’oeil door. There’s amazing detail achieved in this 18th c, Louis XVI ornament. […]
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Faux Marble
May 21, 2013 by 3 Comments
I absolutely love the execution of this faux marble! On this wainscot, Red and Mixed Campan form a dazzling composition. A very assured and technical panel. Notice the color shift from pink to burgundy – and the pink transition off the green. Painted in the mid 19th c in oil. Green Antique breccia mantle – […]
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Gilding
May 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
22K, oil size surface leaf on the gate of the Palace of Versailles. Notice the background palace with gilded roof done with same gold. There are several million dollar worth of gold in the gilding at the palace. Remember: real gold is an inalterable material (it does not oxidize or rust) and therefore, perfect for […]
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Real marble
April 23, 2013 by 7 Comments
The Palace of Versailles is a rare find when it comes to examples of real marble. The halls, rooms, and exterior are packed with fine European and French marbles. What is particularly exciting is the care that was taken to place certain species next to one another. Also, the type of “cut” of marble was […]
Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye
April 16, 2013 by 1 Comment
We recently took group of 17 students to tour of Palace of Versailles. The students were painting a panel for 8 days in a studio near by. Check out the class photos. As a child growing up in Paris, it was mandatory for students to visit the Palace once a year. It’s fair to […]
Traditional Water Gilding
March 21, 2013 by 5 Comments
Prior to the 19th century, water gilding was the only method used for all gilding projects. Today, this method is mostly used for frames, furniture accents, restoration projects, and other small and intricate projects. Water gilding takes years to perfect. As you will read, there are many steps that require patience and skill. This type […]
Versailles Class
March 19, 2013 by 7 Comments
17 students from all over the world have come together for a 6-day traditional decorative painting workshop, and 2 day tour with Pierre Finkelstein and Jean Sablé in Versailles. What an experience! Check out what’s been happening. Jean finalizing the layout of his canvas. Jean working on top ornamentation. Students working on ornamentation. […]
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