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

I saw this film at a private showing in San Francisco, a great city know for strong interest in the arts. Not familiar with the subject, a classically- trained New York artist, Frank Mason, I was a little concerned with how interesting or relevant the film would be to me. I need not have worried!

This educational film was incredibly moving. It showcases one artist's struggle to keep old school skills alive in an increasingly commodified art world. The vision that Frank Mason possessed and the strength it took for him to stand up against some of the biggest names in (Capital A) Art, combined with his charming Grandpa-like orneriness, make this a fascinating piece. I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in the New York art scene in the 50's, restoration complications, artistic techniques and inspirations, or just want to see some beautiful images of cities like Venice or New York.

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.

Documentaries are usually thought provoking and informative, but this one is also uplifting. If you didn't have the pleasure of being touched by the genius of Frank Mason in mortal life, his spirit lives on in the frames of this beautiful and touching documentary that shares his joy of life and his masterful accomplishments in the art world. Beautiful photography and a balanced view of the elements of his personality keep the film moving. There's not a wasted frame. If you do have a interest in art, this film is a must, from casual observer to ardent student. When you leave, you'll feel like you knew this very special man, and I warn you that you'll see things with a painter's eye, whether you can capture that with a brush or not.

Seven years in the making, A Light in the Dark: The Art & Life of Frank Mason was clearly a labor of love. The quality of the documentary, down to the finest details, spoke to the extensive rumination the filmmakers must have taken. For one, they chose to use actual film stock to produce that classic granular imagery, a smart analogy that mimics the "feel" of paint on canvas. Indeed, nearly every frame was a painting. Produced by Frank's nephew Scott Mason, directed by Sonny Quinn (co-producer & editor), with Rick Lopez as DP, this documentary presented our strong desire to reach back to hallowed antiquity, and to preserve our prized cultural heritage. Done simply and intimately, the result: a beautiful and personal homage to the much-loved and well-respected Frank Mason.

The filmmakers wonderfully captured the energy that the late art master so very clearly emanated. A personality so captivating, he centered every shot and illuminated every frame. A magnetic character with great charisma and even greater passions. So few of us are blessed with chosen professions that feed our souls. Art and its sacred preservation were the causes of Frank's life. He was a lifelong advocate against the poor and reckless process that destroys instead of preserves art; the Sistine Chapel is one of great consequence. And against some current artistic outlets in modernity, Frank sustained the gorgeous wonders of the old masters. For over 50 years, he inspired legions of art students to pass on the classic, natural beauty of colors and light. Art is one of the finest achievements of man, and Frank was a master of his craft.

Frank's recitation of Kipling's poem was a sublime close to the film. Scott told me "When Earth's Last Picture is Painted" was hung above Frank's bed in the later years of his life. For a man in his twilight years, this must have been his "Thanatopsis". A small solace that guided the soul of an artist, like a light in the dark. An Official Selection to the 2011 Big Apple Film Festival, and the Newport Beach Film Festival, "A Light in the Dark" from Maestro Films was a polished (and at moments, luminous) production.

This film is an outstanding documentary about Frank Mason and his painting style and defense against cleaning of old masterworks. I support his fight 100%. Let the paintings breathe on their own. Some are meant to age over time, and not be disgraced with cartoon-like embellishment under the guise "cleaning" them up. This film should be included in art history classes across the world! It's a pity Frank Mason is one of the only masterful artists left to defend the masters and their artwork. I think this film enlightens us to the fact of the (literal) atrocities that museums and galleries alike are doing to these wonderful works of art unbeknownst to the public, unbeknownst to the appreciative art lovers of our time, and the time to come. We cannot stop time! What will happen in 2 hundred years from now? Are we again going to be subjected to further "cleaning" of the masterworks until they are unrecognizable tragedies of themselves? This is an important film in my opinion.