An Irish Toast

An Irish Toast May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead. An Irish Toast. This is a print from an original illumination by Canadian artist Kevin Dillon, it is double matted in green with a gold border. 'About the Artist', a descriptive account of this unique art form, accompanies each print Double Matted Only Option Measures 8" W x 10" Fine art print reproduction of original illuminated manuscript hand-lettered onto calfskin vellum by the artist Bears the artist's raised wax signature seal  Double matted in green with a gold border Illustrated by artist Kevin Dillon Product of the USA Double Matted & Framed Option Gilded Gold Vine frame measures 9" W x 11" H x 3/4" D Fine art print reproduction of original illuminated manuscript hand-lettered onto calfskin vellum by the artist Bears the artist's raised wax signature seal  Comes ready to hang with hook on back Easel stand on back for upright display Illustrated by artist Kevin Dillon Product of the USA Did You Know? For centuries, prior to the invention of the printing press, monastic artists had been hand lettering, illuminating and painting books and scrolls on parchment. The most significant illuminated manuscript in the world, The Book of Kells, was produced by Irish monks.    About the Artist. In the tradition of the Book of Kells, Celtic artist Kevin Dillon has rediscovered the same medieval techniques used by these monks. Using a mortar and pestle, Kevin crushes semiprecious stones—lapis lazuli, cinnabar, azurite, orpiment, and malachite—to make his own paints. Using a dip pen or goose quill, the letters are meticulously applied by hand to the calfskin vellum. One at a time, the colors are applied—first blue, followed by the reds, then each remaining color in turn. The final illumination is achieved using 24 karat gold leaf.  The artist’s seal, a stylized design of his initials, is imprinted into molten, charred wax at the bottom of each piece making every print a unique piece of artwork to treasure for years to come.