FRENCH MATTING

FRENCH MATTING

Harry has been specializing in traditional FRENCH MATTING for over 30 years.  French Matting is an artform, a series of handpainted watercolor lines with a watercolor wash on acid free board.  Harry makes his own paper in real 22 Karat Gold leaf or silver & gold Dutch Metal Leaf with an antique finish to accent the watercolor.

Harry creates a deep richness of color with layers of watercolors although some mats he uses gouache or pastel depending on the period of the paper art he is working with.

French Matting was introduced by artists or framers in the 18th Century adding color to their engravings, prints - in those days they did not have the array of colored acid free mat board to choose from.  The different colored layers on a single board give the impression of several boards thus FRENCH MATTING.

In addition to french matting, Harry uses a great deal of handpainted bevels, gold leaf bevels or dutch metal leaf bevels with either silk or linen top mats to accent EARLY & FINE PRINTING, Geographical & Natural History Prints, Illuminated Manuscripts.

GESSO MAT AND FINISHED FRAME

Finished colored gesso mat with a lovely handpainted bevel accented by a bamboo frame - very *islands* - Brian will be SOOOOOOOO HAPPY when he gets this tomorrow.

Gesso Mat Part 2

GESSO MATS

GESSO MAT BEFORE COLOR FINISH

AMAZING CANDLESTICKS

PAIR 19TH CENTURY SPANISH

This is one of a pair ... 19th Century Spanish Candlesticks!

The old finish had flaked-off, I had to re-create the original "old" finish...... antique painted finish with a combination of white gold and dutch white gold........

A WONDERFUL PROJECT!

GRAPEVINE FRAME

THIS IS AN AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL MIRROR FRAME, 22 KARAT GOLD LEAF WITH CUSTOM PAINTED ANTIQUE FINISH ACCENTED WITH GRAPES/VINES ON THE SIDE ALL IN GOLD LEAF........  

CLIENT WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH FINISHED PRODUCT AND COULDN'T WAIT TO HANG IT ON HER WINE CELLAR WALL.

Another fun project aided by my trusted assistant!!!

Enjoying restoration..................

Can't believe I still enjoy restoration of paintings and frames after all these years, boy have I worked on some amazing stuff..........

GEORGE WASHINGTON RARE PRINT FRAMED GICLEE

I really love this 18th Century Rare Print of one of the Founding Fathers of United States of America.  I have had it made into a giclee and framed it with my traditional FRENCH MATTING and 22 karat Gold Leaf Frame, it looks tremendous........ perfect for a Gentleman's Study or Office