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 Grueby Tiles
We just finished framing a batch of Grueby tiles for a customer in Ohio. Something simple but alive to these very lovely and historic items. A pleasure! (Click images to view larger.)... continue reading.
Ranches & Rolling Hills – MALT Art Show and Sale 2012
Spring is here a bit early this year with daffodils and fruit trees in full bloom. I have been visiting some beautiful West Marin MALT ranches, painting and collecting images for this year’s 15th Annual “Ranches & Rolling Hills” art show. Three yea... continue reading.
Framing a Grueby Tile
We just shipped out this beautiful 6″ Grueby tulip tile to a customer in Ohio. The soft and subtle form of the leaves suggested a very feminine frame and inspired this adaptation of our Holland profile. For more on framing Arts and Crafts tiles, see this older ent... continue reading.
Re-framing William Hubacek
Just framed this 10″ x 14″ oil on canvas by notable Californian William Hubacek (1871-1958), rescuing it from a cheap gold setting. The job offers a good before-and-after, and a good example, I think, of how a frame helps or hinders your ability to see the p... continue reading.
New work from Erik Tiemens
Erik Tiemens just brought in three lovely Marin County oil paintings, all done at Rodeo Beach. This (above) is “Rodeo Beach—Marin Headlands,” 12″ x 16″. $1200 unframed. “Hillside at Rodeo Beach,” 8-3/4″ x 11-3/4″. $1100 unframed... continue reading.
Framing a small Edward Curtis—Another Carved Corner Design
Recently framed this small original Edward Curtis photogravure of Apache Indians for a couple in Texas. The print had wide margins, but we wanted the effect of framing it close so used a lap-joined flat — kind of a wooden mat, although on top of the glass. We’ve... continue reading.
“Wisdom of the Hands”—Doug Stowe Advocates for Handcraft in Education
For those of you who appreciate the aspect of handcraft in our work, I thought I’d draw your attention to the blog “Wisdom of the Hands” by Arkansan woodworker and teacher Doug Stowe. I learned about it while reading Matthew B. Crawford’s Shop Cl... continue reading.
Framing Charles Partridge Adams—Simple Corner Carving
We recently got to frame this early twentieth century landscape by Charles Partridge Adams (1858-1942). At just 10″ x 14″, it’s humble in size as well as subject matter, and loosely painted—all aspects suggesting a fairly simple frame with a bit of c... continue reading.
Framing Contemporary Paintings—Andrij Korchynsky
This recent job, a 23″ x 32″ contemporary oil painting on canvas by Ukrainian-American artist Andrij Korchynsky, offers a simple lesson in two key elements in frame design: line and form. Despite the loose style, the sweeping lines and angularity of the roof... continue reading.