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

Another Block Print In a Printable Frame
My last post was on the possibilities for especially sympathetic framing for block prints. Here’s another example of how a frame carved in the same manner that the block for the print was carved naturally harmonizes with the print. The early twentieth century pict... continue reading.

More Inspiration from Block Prints: Framing Charles Spitzack
This is a frame design I never would have come up with if this particular print hadn’t come through the door. The contemporary (2019) block print, “A Glimmer of Abundance,” is by Northwest artist Charles Spitzack (b. 1987). We set the 10″ x 8R... continue reading.

Framing Richard Lindenberg’s Quiet Discoveries
A week from tomorrow we’ll unveil a new show celebrating ten years of representing one of our outstanding painters. “Richard Lindenberg: Quiet Discoveries”, featuring all new and recent paintings, will open on Saturday, September 23 with a reception fo... continue reading.

On My Bench
There’s an unusual project on my workbench these days… All parts of one frame. How will it come together? What’s it going on? Stay tuned! UPDATE: My post on the completed frame is here.... continue reading.

Framing More Tonalism—and More Works by Charles Warren Eaton
We recently enjoyed framing a batch of circa 1910 canvases by Charles Warren Eaton (1857–1937). Eaton was one of the leading members of the nineteenth century tonalist movement, and a protege of the most prominent tonalist artist—indeed, one of the most important Am... continue reading.

Framing Don Demers
This is a painting that just arrived at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming, and will be part of their annual Art Show and Sale. Titled “The River and the Rodeo, Cody,” the 30″ x 25″ oil is by the outstanding Donald Demers, who asked us to f... continue reading.

Framing George Inness and the Spirit of Tonalism
Believed to date from the 1880’s, this 12″ x 18″ painting of the last light of day is from the brush of George Inness (1825–1894). We’ve made a few frames like this one, and the design seemed to me perfectly suited to Inness’s gentle and ... continue reading.

Video Release: Paul Kratter—Landscape Painting and Design
Gallery favorite Paul Kratter, whom we’ve represented now for twenty years, has another instructional video coming out. It’s called “Landscape Painting and Design.” If you’ve always wanted to come to one of Paul’s demos here at the ga... continue reading.

“On the Threshold” Opens Today!
Today’s the day! It’s the opening of “On the Threshold: 3 Women, 3 Mediums, 3 Views,” our show of paintings by standout artists Ellen Howard, Tia Kratter, and Kim Lordier, and we’ll be hosting a reception for the artists from 2 to 4. If you... continue reading.