Donald C. Fels began his career in 1969 as a maker of historical keyboard instruments under the guidance of master musical instrument maker Hugh Gough. A later apprenticeship with master forte piano maker Philip Belt made possible Mr. Fels' mastery of this craft.

Mr. Fels' current discoveries of various old master painting mediums and studio practices are the result of his years of experience working from historical documents like the De Mayerne manuscript and his 10 years of experience as a maker of historical painting mediums and varnishes.

Painting and drawing studies at the Art Students League in New York and later studies with Frank Mason, a world authority on Baroque painting methods made possible his insight into sixteenth and seventeenth century studio painting and craft making practices. In addition to being an artist and artisan, Mr. Fels continues to devote his time to the study and research of early painting practices.

Lost Secrets of Flemish Painting