Joachim Haupt is a German artist, born in Berlin. In Europe, Asia and the U.S., Haupt is known for the modern abstract mixed media technique that he developed called Lacquer Foil Art.
His lacquer foil pantings incorporate lacquer, gold and silver leaf, acrylic paint, wood, silk, abalone shells, eggshells and mother of pearl to bring the painting “to life” with “The Magic Shine.”
The “living” painting changes as the viewer or the light source moves. The reflections, the shimmers and the play of light created by these impressive artworks cannot be shown in photos. That’s the magic.
The Creation Process
The following will attempt to provide an explanation of the process undertaken to create one of Joachim Haupt’s remarkable lacquer foil paintings.
The labor-intensive process of creating each piece must begin by first making a canvas of sorts that allows for a painting surface. The “canvas is begun by securing raw silk vertically and horizontally over wood panels. Natural lacquer is then applied over the silk in many layers (8 or more) and permitted to slowly dry in the cool, humid environment of a wine cellar. Fully cured panels are then buffed and thoroughly polished using charcoal dust until glossy black and extremely smooth.
Before painting can begin, the finer side of the “canvas” is selected and then carefully covered (entirely) with squares of delicate silver leaf. Haupt’s painting can now finally begin as acrylics are applied directly over the silver leaf surface. As the artist paints, he must simultaneously visualize the placement (next step) of handcrafted elements and colorful foils yet to occur.
Handcrafted elements such as abalone, eggshell and mother of pearl are then carefully incorporated into the paintings. Depending on the piece, additional painting may occur over and around these particular elements. An additional application of gold leaf and/or colorful foil may also be included. The inclusion (or omission) jof any element or embellishment reflects the artist’s assessment of “what each unique piece calls for.” The diversity of subject matter and genre plays a significant role in decision.
A work is finally complete when two or more coats of mixture composed of natural lacquer from the Son Tree (lacquer tree) and pulverized granite are applied to the surface of the piece. These final clear coats provide a protective surface that dramatically accentuates both the color and the atureal beauty of the elements inherent to each painting.