1904-1909. Watercolors, 14″ x 10″. Framed in No. 348.108.1 (sloped)—2-3/4″ in stained quartersawn white oak.
We’ve been privileged to frame quite a few paintings by Latimer — mostly for North Point Gallery in San Francisco. My favorite works by this outstanding early California watercolorist are his scenes in the redwoods. These are all typical in their use of a path or creek to carry the viewer through a carefully rendered, shadowy forest. These elements all suggest this frame, with its gentle cove sloping in to enhance the perspective and soft forms, with the detail of fine beads to sustain the painting’s fine line work. As always in framing close, the work is protected by a gasket mat to separate it from the glass (Museum Glass) and by aluminum tape lining the rabbet to buffer it from the acids in the wood. The unity achieved is always pleasing compared to the separation created by a mat, but when the picture is of the woods, the immediate setting of a carefully designed and crafted wooden frame makes this approach especially effective and lovely.
Comparing these three examples demonstrates the consideration of shade and color suitable to each individual painting.
1909. Watercolor, 14" x 10".
1904. Watercolor, 14" x 10".
1905. Watercolor, 14" x 10".