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I produce my paintings with many of the same materials I was trained to use as a framer. I use 4" square 6-ply cotton rag mat board for each tile, precut before painting. I then employ the spacer qualities of 3/16" foam core for the "lift" behind each tile. I proceed to my next step, the gesso stage. Gesso is the "ground" for most canvas and it is also used in the production of certain types of picture frame ornamentation. I begin with my palette knives and work the gesso heavily into my shapes and images and let them dry a couple of days. At this stage, everything is usually white, although I do, for heavier build, use colored gessos. Next, there are base coats and primers for the metal leafs, and then I can begin painting each tile.

Preparing the Canvas

Above: Fish Creek Falls triptych in the studio.   My effort, regardless of the style in which I am working, is to render each tile so very individually that each could be featured as a small work of its own. It is the combination of tiles, as I accidentally discovered that first night in June over a decade ago, which really makes the painting come to life! After the tiles are varnished, I set them in a sequential order with 3/4" between each tile on a background color that befits the image. Some works are mounted on canvas rather than board when the glare of glass would be a problem, or when canvas denotes "original" to the viewer. Although one might worry about the exposed tiles, they are quite hardy and are impossible to tear away from the canvas.

Above: Fish Creek Falls triptych installed.   My 19 years as a framer played a part in the quality of materials used, both in frames and the art supplies used. Only the MOST EXPENSIVE gessos, paints, boards and leafs are used to insure quality and lasting beauty. The gilding method is a time-consuming process demanding attention to detail and craftsmanship. I use variegated leaf (toned with chemicals to create colors on the surfaces of the leaf) and other imported, hand-toned metal leaf from Italy to Japan. The leaf that I place in a painting is integral to the design and helps lend an air of mystery to the works. I hope you enjoy my efforts.

Copyright 2002-2006 • Jamie Lavin • All Rights Reserved