The Studio

To get a variety of book views, I piled high books throughout my studio. I used them to help formulate images that were later painted on the tabletops.

Getting Started

I started with blank boards, round, that become the canvases. They are about 24” inches in diameter. The first thing was to get the main image down. My first attempt of the open book, had the book too high on the “canvas” so I painted it lower.
The stack of books presented challenges in seeing “under” the book on top of it. Here is it in progress.
Ah, that’s better.

Working Together

I worked on both of the paintings at the same time. This helped me keep them consistent with each other and complementary as well. I set up two easels and went back and forth.

Painting the Rim

With the main images complete, I began the rim images. The rim features several tiny paintings of library scenes. I wanted many images but had to leave room for the memorabilia that would be applied in the next step.

Memorabilia

The memorabilia was collected by the librarians and myself. I carefully selected the pieces to use and planned how they were going to be placed. Here the pieces are sealed and treated in preparation for the final steps. They are in their appropriate places where they will be adhered forever.

Resin Top

When everything is in place, I apply the trim to the edges. It is a little higher than the surface so that it holds the resin. The resin encases the entire painting and memorabilia forever. When set, the paintings become durable surfaces that can be used on an everyday basis. This image shows my loyal helper/husband helping with the resin. After it is applied, we have to be on watch for spills, overflows and outgasing.

Here are the resin tops, setting. I leave them alone for about 5 days.

Legs

The final action is to attach the legs, which are heavy-duty and rated for office furniture. I figure they will hold up for a long time, no matter what at the library.