A Frame-Maker’s Journal

TimHolton writingUpdates 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

Paul Kratter on the Cover of Southwest Art Magazine

Posted on May 17th, 2019

Hurray for Paul Kratter, for being the featured painter on the cover of Southwest Art Magazine’s June 2019 issue! Many of our customers know and have admired Paul’s work since the Gallery began representing him sixteen(!) years ago. The well written piece de... continue reading.

Framing Kevin Red Star

Posted on May 14th, 2019

This is a serigraph by Montana painter Kevin Red Star (b. 1943). The 3/4″ frame is carved with a simple repeat pattern. Cherry was the perfect wood for carving as well as for color. I love doing repeats like this, and in this case it’s doubly resonant with t... continue reading.

Everyday Framing

Posted on May 13th, 2019

We’re excited to announce a new, specially priced offering called “Everyday Framing.” Many of the things folks most commonly want to frame are highly significant to them but really only call for the simplest, most economical framing. Such pieces might ... continue reading.

Re-framing Ray Strong

Posted on May 8th, 2019

It felt good to free this one from the cheap ‘sixties linen liner and frame. It’s a terrific small (5-3/4″ x 11-3/4″) oil painting by the important and influential California landscape painter Ray Strong (1905-2006). The land forms provided plent... continue reading.

Suitable Settings for Hard-Won Honors: Framing Diplomas and Certificates

Posted on April 25th, 2019

As graduation time approaches, I want to show an example of how we like to frame diplomas. This frame is in stained solid quartersawn white oak—a humble and famously sturdy and enduring hardwood. The No. 238 profile, which slopes in to the certificate, has a refinemen... continue reading.

Framing Henry Evans

Posted on April 24th, 2019

When I worked at Storey Framing—way back in the ’70’s and ’80’s—an older gentlemen would often come in with his wife, bringing us his botanical linoleum block prints he made and sold here in town. His name was Henry Evans, and I think it̵... continue reading.

Mourning Notre Dame, II: William Morris’s Loving Frame for the Gothic Builders

Posted on April 16th, 2019

It is not difficult to find lovingly created pictures of Notre Dame, that great piece of the commonwealth we call civilization, that great work of devoted labor that burned yesterday as the world watched in horror. Why are they easy to find? Because the building has bee... continue reading.

In Mourning for Notre Dame—and One of the World’s Greatest Oak Frames

Posted on April 15th, 2019

Our friends at Annex Galleries posted this Max Pollack print today in recognition of the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, and in mourning for the tragic destruction to one of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Heartbreaking news that reminds us of the fragility o... continue reading.

Tim to Jury Alameda Plein Air Paintout

Posted on April 12th, 2019

I’m flattered to have been asked to jury the Fourteenth Annual Frank Bette Center for the Arts Paintout in Alameda, July 29 through August 3. If you’re a painter and would like to enter, go here. Learn more about the Frank Bette Center for the Arts… A ... continue reading.