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LEAH McLAIN
ART RESTORATION
MEET LEAH McLAIN
Leah began working in art restoration in Amarillo in 2016 after training with Adele Pruitt, a legendary art restorer in Ukiah, California and DiAnna Tindell of Tindell Restoration Services. Prior to working in restoration, Leah painted and created collages which were sold at Artists Inside Circa 1857 in Baton Rouge as well as various art fairs including one in conjunction with SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Leah has restored a wide range of paintings including severely damaged paintings with historic value by artists such as H.D. Bugbee, Bert Phillips, and several 19th century English painters, as well as some sentimental favorites painted by a loving grandparent. Leah took great pleasure in restoring two pieces painted by her father back in the 1970s and believes such artwork is just as important as those with greater monetary value.
While at the University of Texas at Austin, Leah studied art history as part of her liberal arts degree and has had a passion for art ever since. Leah currently maintains a studio in downtown Amarillo at Atrium Plaza at 619 S. Tyler. She is available there by appointment only, so please let her know if you’re planning to stop by.
OUR WORK
Click on any image below to view a small sampling of the hundreds of paintings Leah has worked on over the years.
THE PROCESS
1.
Assessment & Documentation:
The initial step in art restoration is a thorough examination and assessment of the artwork's condition. This includes identifying any damages, deterioration, or alterations that may have occurred over time. Detailed documentation, including high-resolution photographs, is crucial for creating a comprehensive restoration plan.
3.
Repair & Conservation:
Once the artwork's surface is clean, the restoration process moves on to repairing any damages. This can involve filling in cracks, fixing tears, consolidating flaking paint, or reattaching loose elements. Conservation practices are employed to stabilize the artwork and prevent further deterioration, ensuring its longevity.
2.
Cleaning & Surface Preparation:
The second step involves the careful cleaning of the artwork's surface. Accumulated dirt, dust, varnish layers, and other pollutants are delicately removed using specialized solvents and techniques. This process requires great expertise to ensure that the cleaning does not harm or alter the original artwork.
4.
Retouching & Varnishing:
The final step focuses on restoring the aesthetic integrity of the artwork. Skilled restorers selectively retouch areas where paint loss has occurred, using carefully matched pigments and techniques that mimic the original artist's style. A protective varnish layer is then applied to enhance the artwork's visual appeal and provide additional protection.
