Trompe-l’œil

Wood

Through her teaching at Van Der Kelen, Blanca has acquired a certain biological and geological knowledge of the materials she imitates, as well as historical knowledge of their decorative uses in time and space. She benefits from an understanding of the natural behaviors of the woods, marbles, precious stones and noble materials she reproduces.

Palissandre

Dalbergia (family) - In Africa and Latin America, we find different species: rosewood, Rio rosewood, Brazilian rosewood, Guatemalan rosewood and Honduran rosewood. In Asia, we find the Sissoo and Indian Rosewood varieties. Their color sometimes varies even within the same trunk, and all are irregularly toned, ranging from dark brown to mauve to black. With its distinctive burl pattern, it was used decoratively in marquetry during the classical period, when it was very rare and highly prized. Introduced to Europe in the 18th century, it was used extensively during the Second Empire. Most species in this large family are now overexploited and deserve protection.

Rosewood and smooth acajou

Dalbergia variabilis, decipularis - An imprecise name that almost evokes mystery, this particular species of rosewood originates from Brazil. A hard, heavy wood with a fine grain and fine, light veins tending towards red, it emits a slight rose scent when cut. Particularly used for marquetry in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles of the 18th century, it is still used today for luxury furniture, parquet flooring, musical instruments and turning. It suffers from overexploitation despite a moratorium in 2010 which attempts, in vain, to limit its logging and illegal trade.

Other wood

  • Faux bois peinture

    Acajou flamme (Acajou Gerbe) and acajou of Congo

  • Faux bois peinture

    Oak panel

  • Faux bois peinture à la main

    Limba

  • Faux bois peinture à la main

    Elm and lemon burl

  • Faux bois peinture à la main

    Walnut burl

Maple (yellow, gray and green) and rosewood

Acer - A white wood with a uniform appearance and fine grain, which tends to yellow slightly in natural light. Originating in the temperate forests of the northern hemisphere, yellow maple is prized for its brilliant golden-yellow color with moiré tones. Its small medullary spots are caused by insects. It warms, harmonizes and offers a unique design and admirable effects. Its cousin, the grey maple, in transition or contrast, adds a more vibrant and warm note with its tones and nuances than a uniform grey. If left unprotected, its distinctive effects, of considerable decorative value, only appear on certain specimens in a completely unpredictable way, and are only visible once the tree has been felled and cut down (generally to serve other purposes, such as musical instruments, baseball bats, bowling lanes or pins, for billiard cues...).