AN ARTIST’S VIEWPOINT
OVERVIEW
By
L.H.Barker
In 1997, architect John Mesick (Mesick • Cohen • Wilson • Baker •Architects Albany, New York) contacted L.H.Barker to do two architectural illustrations of the Historic St. Mary’s City Chapel, Historic St. Mary’s City, MD. The pieces were to be used for promotion and fund raising towards the reconstruction of the building. The client requested that the pieces reflect the “Dutch genre” school of painting in the late 1600’s, the period of when the Chapel stood. This required the use of only brushes and paints. Painting the suite was compressed into a very short turn around time.
The Chapel Interior
The base of the interior composition was a computer wire frame perspective supplied by Mr. Mesick. The space is elegantly simple and to illustrate it required a good study of ‘light’ in the piece. The white plaster walls were rendered in cool (leaning towards violets and blues) and warm (leaning towards yellow ochre and yellows) whites, depending on where the area was located and how much natural light was available. The furnishings were kept simple.
Questions regarding the each detail of the space were reviewed with the architect, such as the green tinted diamond shaped windowpanes. The artist learned fascinating historical details about the space such as the stone floor actually had coffins buried beneath it.
The
'Chapel Interior' won the prestigious Award of Excellence
from the American Society of Architectural Illustrators in their international
competition in 2002. It was sent to Brisbane, Australia for the conference
and show Architecture in Perspective 17, is included in the catalogue of that
show and toured with that exhibition for almost a year. An article in the
Albany Business Review by Matthew Phillips, ‘Architectural
illustrator breathes life into blueprints’ explores more of the
process: (http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2002/10/21/
focus3.htm). A link to this can be found on the web site’s index page,
lhbarkerstudio.com
The Chapel Exterior
The exterior chapel rendering provided a context for the interior architectural illustration and encompassed the structure, a cemetery located on the right side of the lot and the rural setting of the period. The architect provided the illustrator with the architectural details of the exterior and site.
The
Illustrating Process
Use
this link to read about the illustrating and painting process. Select the
"An Artist's Viewpoint" panel on the right side:
AN
ARTIST'S VIEWPOINT
The Architectural Illustration Team
Silas
D. Hurry
Curator of Collections,
Archaelogical Laboratory Director
Historic St. Mary's City
Mr. Silas Hurry is the Curator of Collections and Archaeological Laboratory
Director for Historic St. Mary's City. He has over thirty-five years of experience
in Historical archaeology working in Maryland, Georgia, Michigan, and New
Mexico. He is a native of the St. Mary's County and an honors graduate of
St. Mary's College of Maryland in History and Anthropology. He subsequently
attended graduate school at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. He
is active in the Society for Historical Archaeology, and a past officer of
the Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference, the Council on Northeast Historical
Archaeology, and the Council for Maryland Archaeology. He is the author of
numerous articles and essays on the archaeology of St. Mary's City including
the exhibit catalog "..once the Metropolis of Maryland".
http://www.stmaryscity.org/index.html
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John
I. Mesick,
Partner in Charge, Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker, Albany, NY |
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Education:
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-Bachelor
of Architecture - Pratt Institute, 1958 |
| Certified by the National Council of Architectural Review Boards |
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-Partnership
- Mesick • Cohen • Wilson • Baker • Architects,
1995
-Partnership - Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Architects, 1989 -1995 -Partnership - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Hall • Architects, 1984 -1989 -Partnership - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Architects, 1976 -1984 -Partnership - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Architects, 1973 - 1976 -Partnership - Blatner • Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Architects, 1971 -1973 -Partnership - Blatner • Mendel • Mesick • Architects, 1965 -1971 -Project Manager and Architect - Blatner & Williams, Architects, 1961-1964 -Designer - Eero Saarinen & Associates, Birmingham, MI, 1959 -1961 -Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Adjunct Professor in Architectural Design, 1969 -1970 |
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Professional
Activities:
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-Member
- Board of Trustees, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village
-Member - Board of Trustees, Eastfield Foundation -Member - Board of Trustees, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village -Member - Town of Schodack Planning Board -Member - American Institute of Architects -Member - Society of Architectural Historians -Member - Association for Preservation Technology -Member - Society for Industrial Archeology -Member - National Trust for Historic Preservation -Member - Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities -Member - Vernacular Architecture Forum -Former Member and Past-President - Board of Trustees, Preservation League of New York -Former Member and Chairman - Historic Structure Report Panel, Taliesin Preservation Commission -Former Member - Board of Directors, Albany Institute of History and Art -Former Member - Committee on Historic Resources, American Institute of Architects -Former Member - New York State Board of Historic Preservation and member of National -Register Committee -Former Member - City of Albany Historic Sites Commission -Former Member - Architecture and Environmental Arts Panel, New York State Council on Arts |
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Projects:
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-1660's
Brick Chapel, Saint Mary’s City, MD
-Albany Law/Medical Center – Residence Hall, Albany, NY (new construction) -Albany Rural Cemetery Chapel, Menands, NY (1884) restoration and addition -Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany, NY (1907) - McKinney Library, Orientation Room, Dutch Painting Gallery, Lansing Gallery -Blair House, Washington, DC (1824, 1859, 1860) -The President's Guest House Complex -Bronck House, Coxsackie, NY (1680s, 1737, 1812) -Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, NY (1848-1852) -Chapel House – Interfaith Center, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY (new construction) -Church Family Barn of the Watervliet Shakers, Albany, NY (1915) -The Elms, Newport, RI (1901) -Field House, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY (new construction) -First Agricultural National Bank, North Adams, MA (new construction) -First Presbyterian Church, Albany, NY (1884) - sanctuary -Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg, NY (1810 - 1900) (new construction) -Fort Herkimer Church, Herkimer, NY (1760s, 1812) -Fort Johnson, Fort Johnson, NY (1749) -Fort Orange Club, Albany, NY (1883, 1907) - West Lounge -The Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY (1912) – historic structure report of the Hyde House -Isaac Bell House, Newport, RI (1883) -Hudson Railroad Station, Hudson, NY (1874) -Montgomery Place, Tarrytown, NY (1805) -Monticello, Charlottesville, VA (1769) - restoration of Jefferson's 1824 roofs -New York State Capitol, Albany, NY - Executive Chamber (1882), Senate Chamber (1881) and related spaces, and proposed restoration of Assembly Chamber (1878) Currently, a term contract for the restoration of the Capitol. -Old Southeast Church, Brewster, NY (1790s, 1824) -Oswego City Hall, Oswego, NY (1870s) -Oswego City Library, Oswego, NY (1850s) -Otsego County Courthouse, Cooperstown, NY (1880) -Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, VA - Thomas Jefferson’s retreat (1806) -Putnam County Courthouse, Carmel, NY (1814) -Richardson-Bates House, Oswego, NY (1870s, 1880s) -Richmondtown Restoration, Staten Island, NY - development plan -Rockefeller Institute, Albany, NY (1903) - former Brady mansion -Stuyvesant Railroad Station, Stuyvesant, NY (1887) -Taliesin, Spring Green, WI (1912-1959) - Frank Lloyd Wright complex -Ten Broeck Mansion, Albany, NY (1798, 1830s) Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville, TN (1859) - Old Library -Union College Arts Building, Schenectady, NY (1850, 1924) -Vermont State House, Montpelier, VT - Executive Chamber (1859), Cedar Creek Room (1886), House and Senate chambers (1859), and first floor |
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Publications:
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-"Unraveling
an Architectural Pedigree," an article tracing design influences
on Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Published in the Corporation for
Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Annual Report, 1992
-"Taming Technology for Preservation," a review and analysis of current preservation technology in the United States. Published in the 1976 issue of MONUMENTUM of ICOMOS. -"Restoring the Senate Chamber 1978-1981," a paper commissioned by the Temporary Commission on the Restoration of the New York State Capitol published in Proceedings of the New York State Capitol Symposium, 1983. -Cast with Style--Nineteenth Century Cast-Iron Stoves from the Albany Area, published by the Albany Institute of History and Art, 1981. Contributed Foreword. -Albany Architects-The Present Looks at the Past, published by Historic Albany Foundation, 1978. Contributed Introduction, "Albany Architects: Yesterday Versus Today" and article on "Henry Hobson Richardson." -"Looking at Essex," a description of architectural development in a nineteenth century hamlet on Lake Champlain in Essex - An Architectural Guide", published by The Essex Community Heritage Organization, 1986. -The Nott Memorial-A Historic Structure Report, published by the Trustees and Alumni Council of Union College, 1973. -Fort Johnson-A Historic Structure Report, published by the Montgomery County Historical Society, 1977. Reprinted by the Technical Preservation Services Division, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, US Department of the Interior, in 1978 and distributed to all State Historic Preservation Offices. -The Burden Company Office Building- Historic Structure Report, published by the Hudson-Mohawk Industrial Gateway, 1976. -Fort Herkimer Church- Historic Structure Report, published by the Classics of Montgomery, Reformed Church of America, 1975. -In addition, responsible for the execution of over 25 historic structure reports on other individual buildings. |
| Jeff
Baker Partner in Charge, Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker, Albany, NY |
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Education:
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-Bachelor
of Architecture - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1986
-Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1986 -Associate in Applied Science, Civil Technology - Hudson Valley Community College, 1981 -Architectural Study Tour - Italy, Greece, 1985 -Architectural Study Tour - England, France, Switzerland, 1991 -Architectural Study Tour - Italy, 1994 |
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Professional
Experience:
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-Registered
Architect - New York State, 1995
-Partnership – Mesick • Cohen • Wilson • Baker • Architects, 1995 -Project Manager – Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Architects, 1989 - 1995 -Project Architect - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Hall • Architects, 1986 - 1989 -Architectural Draftsman/Designer - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Hall • Architects, 1984 - 1986 -Architectural Draftsman/Designer - Mendel • Mesick • Cohen • Waite • Architects, 1981-1984 -Architectural Draftsman/Designer - William Stevens Architect, 1979 - 1981 |
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Professional
Activities:
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-Chair
- Town of Schodack Historical Preservation Commission, 1992 - present
-Member - Ten Broeck Mansion Building Restoration Committee, 1995 - present -Member - American Institute of Architects -Member - Society of Architectural Historians -Member - Association for Preservation Technology -Former Member - New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol |
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Projects:
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-1660's
Brick Chapel, St. Mary’s City, MD Co-partner-in-charge of a study
to develop drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates
to reconstruct the first Catholic chapel in British North America.
Work included intense study of historic precedents and details; drawings
of all elevations, plan, and sections; and interior and exterior perspectives
for the purpose of fund raising for the eventual reconstruction of
the chapel.
-Fred Johnston House, Kingston, NY Conditions study of the house, a fine example of the Federal period, in preparation for restoring it for use as a museum. The report included a survey of existing conditions, recommendations for repair, and detailed cost estimates for the proposed work. -Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg, NY Co-partner-in-charge of design and construction of a gallery addition linking an 1810 house museum to an 1884 aesthetic-period house which will be used as reception and staff space. -Hyde Collection, Glens Falls, NY Project manager for the preparation of a historic structure report and restoration of a 1912 mansion designed by Bigelow and Wadsworth. Exterior restoration included epoxy consolidation of the wood balustrade, skylight reconstruction, copper roof replacement, masonry chimney reconstruction, wood window sash reconstruction, cast stone restoration, and limestone stabilization. -Isaac Bell House, Newport, RI Co-authored a comprehensive historic structure report in preparation of the restoration of the house designed in the shingle style by McKim, Mead and White. Subsequent to the completion of the historic structure report, the exterior was completely restored to its original appearance. Work included complete wall and roof shingle replacement, epoxy consolidation work, complete paint stripping, repainting, new wood carvings, chimney and porch wall reconstruction, new terra cotta chimney caps, replication of a ornamental leader box, new stainless steel leaders and gutters, and a new subsurface drainage system. The interior restoration has also been completed. -Montgomery Place, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY Project manager for the restoration of this Federal-period mansion modified by Alexander Jackson Davis. Exterior restoration included installation of new standing and flat seam lead-coated copper roofs; stucco conservation; epoxy consolidation of wood decorative building elements; replication of architectural ornament in fiberglass, terra cotta, and cast iron; and restoration of the original sand paint finish. -Montgomery Place Coach House, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY Project manager for restoration of an 1850 coach house designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. Restoration included wood shingle roof installation, epoxy stabilization of existing cupola, historic masonry chimney reconstruction, stone foundation stabilization, timber frame stabilization, and historic paint color restoration. -Monticello, Charlottesville, VA Project manager for the preparation of a historic structure report of Thomas Jefferson's home. Complete history, description, and analysis of the mansion and its outbuildings including the study of existing documents and archival sources; examination of building fabric, structural and mechanical conditions; and recommendations for restoration. Restoration of an 1824 roof designed by Thomas Jefferson. Included installation of EPDM roof membrane and tin-coated stainless steel roofing, wood balustrade restoration, skylight replacements and restoration, brick masonry rebuilding, paint removal, epoxy stabilization, and subsurface drainage. -New York State Capitol, Albany, NY Assisted in the preparation of the contract documents for the restoration of the fourth floor Senate Lobby. -North Adams Library, North Adams, MA Project manager for exterior restoration of an 1860s Second Empire mansion designed by Marcus Cummings. Work included repair and replacement of decorative slate roofing; epoxy consolidation of cornice, window surrounds, window sash, and shutters; and restoration of masonry chimneys. -Ochre Court, Newport, RI Partner-in-charge of an exterior conditions survey of the Richard Morris Hunt chateau as a prelude to replacing the roof and surrounding stone terraces. Work included the evaluation of all carved and decorative limestone, slate roofing, flashings and decorative metalwork, interior wood finishes, and interior wrought ironwork. Production of construction documents for the restoration of the roof. -Pohndorff Room, Scribner Library, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY Co-partner-in-charge of design for a semi-circular, domed neo-classical special collections room within new wing of the Lucy Scribner Library. -Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, VA Project manager for the preparation of a historic structure report of Thomas Jefferson's second home, constructed between 1806 and 1809, as a prelude to complete restoration of all interior and exterior elements back to the Jefferson period. -Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, VA Co-partner overseeing preparation of construction documents and construction administration for the complete restoration of the exterior including complete foundation underpinnings and foundation drains, new roof structure, brick masonry reconstruction, and new doors, windows, and portico decks. -Private residence, Tarrytown, NY Co-partner-in-charge of designs for a seven-bay wood framed residence designed in the Greek Revival style. -Proctor’s Theatre, Schenectady, NY Co-partner-in-charge of restoration work within the main theater space. Work includes scaffolding to allow the theater to remain in operation during the work, decorative and flat plaster repair, and decorative painting of the ceiling and proscenium. -Putnam County Court Facilities Capital Plan, Carmel, NY Program analysis of all existing county court facilities for future housing in exiting restored courthouse and new expanded court facilities. Plan included scheduling, cost estimates, and schematic design of new court facilities building. -Putnam County Courthouse, Carmel, NY Project manager for the preparation of a historic structure report and contract documents for the restoration of an 1814 county courthouse. Work included wood shingle roof restoration, window repair and stabilization, wood siding replacement, and stone foundation underpinning and re-pointing. Interior work included mechanical system installation, insertion of handicapped access, new fire and security systems, and restoration of historic lighting. -St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, St Johnsbury, VT Partner-in-charge of design and construction documents for the restoration of the mansard roof and tower of 1870’s structure. Currently, preparing a historic structure report in anticipation of a full interior and exterior restoration. -Stuyvesant Railroad Station, Stuyvesant, NY Co-partner in charge of production of a design report and construction documents for the restoration of this 1882 New York Central Railroad Station as a Community Facility for the Town of Stuyvesant. It is anticipated that this project will commence in the Spring of 1999. -SUNY/Albany, Chapel House, Albany, NY Project manager for the construction of a new interfaith worship center for the State University of New York at Albany. Prepared contract drawings and specifications and supervised construction. -The Elms, Newport, RI Co-partner-in-charge for the preparation of a historic structure report of the large stone mansion designed by Horace Trumbauer in 1901. The study includes the complete history, description, and analysis of the mansion, structural analysis, examination of the building fabric and recommendations for restoration and repair. Current projects also include restoration of the roof and HVAC systems. -Vermont Statehouse, Montpelier, VT Project manager for the preparation of contract documents and complete restoration of the House and Senate chambers, Governor's Reception Office, and the Senate Committee rooms. Restoration included modification of mechanical and electrical systems; reinstitution of historic draperies, carpeting, light fixtures, and window seats; refinishing of house desks; and plaster repair and consolidation. -Voorhees Computing Center, Troy, NY Co-partner-in-charge of a complete interior and exterior conditions survey of the former chapel, now used as the computing center for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Work included evaluation of all stonework, cast stonework, metal roofing, metal flashings and drainage systems, stained and clear glass windows and tracery, and interior plaster surfaces. The study included a phased work schedule and cost estimates. -William Watts Sherman House, Newport, RI Partner-in-charge of an exterior conditions survey of the Henry Hobson Richardson house, constructed in 1874 with additions by Stanford White and Dudley Newton. Completion of the report was followed by exterior stabilization work that included epoxy consolidation work of decorative wood features and all windows, selected shingling, paint removal and repainting the entire house. -Young-Morse Mansion, Poughkeepsie, NY Feasibility study for new visitors' center housing ticket office, docents' offices, staff offices, exhibit space, and auditorium. |
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http://www.mcwb-arch.com/firm/splash.htm
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Les Barker/L.H.Barker
Artist/Illustrator, L.H.Barker
http://www.lhbarkerstudio.com
(the website you are on now)
-end-
