A Frame-Maker’s Journal
Updates and reflections on our work and mission to revive the art and craft of framing pictures. Here I'll show you new jobs we're especially proud of and keep you up on what's going on at the Gallery, as well as discuss topics germane to our work, including handcraft and work generally, the place of art, and ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement (especially its greatest leaders, John Ruskin and William Morris).
I hope you’ll subscribe (see the form in the left column) or at least check back often. And I welcome your comments!
—Tim Holton
Framing Blanche Lazell
We’ve recently enjoyed framing two oil paintings by Blanche Lazell (1878-1956), a Provincetown artist best known for her white line block prints. Lazell liked to experiment and took great interest in the artistic trends of her day, as demonstrated by these two ver... continue reading.
Highlighting Kim Lordier
While we frame up and prepare for our next show, The Gallery is highlighting Kim Lordier‘s work with an exhibit of fourteen of her masterful pastels—including this new luscious large (24″ x 30″) ranch scene. “Western Shadows” is set in a ... continue reading.
Happy Thirty Years, With Gratitude
I founded Holton Studio in 1993, so as we roll in to 2024, I’m not just celebrating a new year but these thirty years of business. And, lonely as may I look in this picture from the early days on Doyle Street in Emeryville, I’m happily embarking on my pursui... continue reading.
National Recognition
Every issue of Picture Framing Magazine, the framing industry’s monthly trade journal, includes a feature called Design of the Month. We’re proud to have had our work chosen for two issues in 2023—the first back in April and now this month.The April featur... continue reading.
Flowers for Randy
“I seek the common thread that binds us together and moves us forward—nature, tradition, love and beauty.” —Randall Sexton (1958-2023) When a community loses a vital source of knowledge, skill, wisdom and inspiration that community feels its loss deeply. Bay Are... continue reading.
Framing Terry Miura for Beloved California VIII
Our annual all-gallery show, Beloved California VIII, continues this week. Terry Miura has been part of every one of the eight shows, and is represented this time around by these three small but compelling paintings below—all exemplifying the spirit of an exhibit that... continue reading.
Framing a Deb Stoner Botanical Photograph
Deb Stoner is a photographer in Portland, Oregon. She came in to the studio with a friend to whom she’d given one of her remarkable botanical photographs. We set the 8″ x 10″ “Iris and Ferns” in a flat 2″ wide stained walnut frame wit... continue reading.
Framing Timothy Horn for Beloved California VIII
Today is the opening for Beloved California VIII, with a reception for the artists from 2 to 4. Jessie has, once again, done a brilliant job hanging the exhibit—and we’re eager to show it off! For you to preview, or if you can’t come in person, we’ve... continue reading.
Framing Christin Coy for Beloved California VIII
Tomorrow is the opening for Beloved California VIII. Here’s a peek at one beautiful work that’s included: Christin Coy‘s “Evening, Tomales Bay Wetlands,” 10″ x 20″. The stained walnut frame I made for it is 2-1/4″ wide. It... continue reading.