“Alta California”: Framing an Erik Tiemens Commissioned Painting

We just finished framing this spectacular painting, “Alta California,” that a customer commissioned from Erik Tiemens, a long time member of the Holton Studio Gallery roster. Erik brings us closer to the dramatic crashing surf and rugged coastline of the state—but as the timeless background to our history. The 16″ x 20″ painting depicts the rugged California coast as the 16th Century Spanish explorers might have encountered it. We made it a 3-1/2″ wide Compound Mitered frame,  No. 318 + Cap 811 in quartersawn white oak (Saturated Medieval Oak stain), with a gilt slip. I chose a cove profile for its effect in enhancing the forms depicted (the rocks and cliff, the breaking waves, and the swirling clouds) as well as the dramatic perspective, which plants us firmly on the rocky beach but also carries our eye to the precarious fate of the ship anchored in the distance. The fine bead near the sight edge acknowledges and underscores the artist’s fine brushwork and rendering. The dark stain is the perfect shadowy foil to surround Erik’s masterful handling of light, while the gilt slip seems to reflect the bright sunlight and provide emphasis on this remarkably powerful scene.

These two below in our inventory are on a similar theme to “Alta California.” See more work by Erik Tiemens on his page, here.

 

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