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 Thaddeus Welch—Carved Corners
Had the privilege of framing a Thaddeus Welch (1844-1919) oil painting a while back (here). Took a very different approach with this one, playing up the wonderful tradition of Taos frames. Trevor Davis had made a corner sample similar to this, and when the painting came... continue reading.
Framing a Benjamin Williams Leader Landscape
Just finished framing this spectacular 1875 Alpine landscape oil painting by British artist Benjamin Williams Leader (1831 – 1923), titled “The Wetterhorn from Rosenlaui.” At 72″ x 60″ it has a powerful presence (see last photo for scale). ... continue reading.
Framing a Millard Sheets Watercolor
Another wonderful California watercolor, this one by Millard Sheets: “Boats of Noyo,” 1974, 22″ x 30″. The bold and colorful watercolor has all the presence of an oil painting, warranting our framing it close (an 8-ply gasket mat and lined rabbet... continue reading.
Framing Alfred Stieglitz
Am quite pleased with how this one turned out — a little (5″ x 6-1/4″) print of an iconic New York streetscape by one the great masters of photography, Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946). The frame’s 2″ wide, in walnut with a bit of Nut Brown stain. ... continue reading.
Paul Kratter Wins Plein Air Awards
Paul Kratter is sporting two more feathers in his cap. At last month’s Carmel Art Festival, his painting “Rush Hour” (oil on canvas, 8″ x 16″) was awarded Second Place—a feat topped this month with first prize honors for his “Glory ... continue reading.
Framing Stan Washburn and Chez Panisse
Pictures that depict frames and finish trim always offer the frame-maker an opportunity to achieve a high degree of harmony and unity between the picture and the frame. Such is the case with this Stan Washburn oil on canvas — a view of the Craftsman interior of Berkel... continue reading.
Framing James Cosgrove
A customer recently brought in this little (5-3/4″ x 8″) oil on board by Glasgow painter James Cosgrove(b. 1939). The stained walnut frame was designed entirely to the painting, with a carved cushion rim around a flat with fine carved flutes. I’m very ... continue reading.
Framing Dwight Clay Holmes
We just framed this 20″ x 16″ canvas by Texan Dwight Clay Holmes (1900-1986) titled “Red Bud”. I was especially pleased with the form of the frame profile as an enhancement to both the graceful use of line in the painting (hence the reeding) and ... continue reading.
Framing Contemporary Photographs–Geoffrey Agrons, 2
A couple of years ago I posted an entry about framing Geoffrey Agrons’s wonderful photographs. Here are a couple more we just did. This first one, “Big, Big Love” is in an exhibit opening this month at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collin... continue reading.