A Light in the Dark: The Art & Life of Frank Mason

A Light in the Dark is a fitting testament to the life of an extraordinary man and painter. Frank Mason protected a knowledge that was being lost to history. This film explores in particular his mission to save the great artworks of the past from the destruction of excessive conservation and cleaning. In an era when splatter-painting was in vogue, and conservators were increasingly unfamiliar with the methods of the Old Masters, their efforts to "clean" paintings often resulted in the destruction forever of the finishing touches and glazes that the Masters applied in the final stages of paintings. Frank Mason fought a historical fight to prevent this loss of culture, and the film is engrossing.

Beyond being a fascinating documentary of his rescue of masterworks, the film-makers have achieved a profound portrait of the artist, who had an incomparable charisma and intelligence. He was beloved by his students and his influence resonates in all their work. I know because he was my maestro over four years, and I hear his voice still when I paint. This portrait of Frank is a treasure for historians, classical realist painters, novices and laymen. Frank Mason's powerful presence is felt, his character is drawn with justice, and the film is especially beautiful to watch. It does not linger on his painting per se, it explores larger questions about art, life, and the legacy we inherit.