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The Handbook of Painted Decoration

Foreword by Nicola Vigini

I am pleased to present to you the English translation of the books previously published only in French, of Yannick Guégan and Roger Le Puil.  This volume brings to you the highest level of traditional French decorative painting.  It is unique in offering a broad repertoire of decorative painting, including not only exceptional patinas and faux marbles, woods and masonry that are subjects familiar to every trompe l'oeil painter, but also many unusual and exciting subjects, such as drapery, mosaics, and marquetry.  In addition, it offers a host of rare and almost forgotten techniques, such as painting under glass, marouflage, and imitation stained glass and laquerware, that are little known here.

The Handbook of Painted Decoration is a significant contribution to the theory and application of the traditional techniques of European masters of decorative painting, but more important, it shows how we can interpret these techniques with contemporary materials, especially water-based paints and acrylic products.  These materials allow us to perform in a matter of hours the many steps that formerly required several days to achieve.  This is of particular interest to those who seek convenient and safe products and increased productivity.

Decorative painters, both professional and amateur, interior designers, and architects who want a deeper knowledge and appreciation of techniques relatively new to the English-speaking world will find this book an essential addition to their personal library.  It provides an invaluable source of high-quality examples and detailed explanations that will assist them with the often difficult task of communicating these fascinating decorative ideas to clients and contractors.  Students of art history, too, will find an authoritative reference of decorative technique to enrich their understanding of decorative art.

I first met Yannich Guégan in 1985 when I was a student of this distinguished master of painted illusions.  I was immediately impressed by his artistic talent and his ability to communicate his art and passion in understandable terms.  Thanks to this ability and to his great know-how, he founded his own institute in Mesquet-Quimiac in Brittany, where he teaches his techniques.

The book freflects my own experience as a student.  In these pages, the authors, masters of their art, generously share the unique knowledge that they acquired from years of study and practice.  This professional and practical manual will lead you through the steps that lead to succesful execution of fin trompe l'oeil work and the personal satisfaction that comes from it.