Another Day, Another Frame

I purchased this painting many years ago. It probably appealed to me since it was so simple and bold, unlike my own paintings. The old frame was probably not as old as the painting, and was typical of what someone may have selected in the 1960s or 70s - "contemporary" with a linen panel. While narrow frames are often effective with large works, they all to often carry the air of "what's the least expensive". Since the frame was stained and falling apart (it looks better in these photos than in real life) , I knew it would be reframed at some point.

Painting as framed when purchased

Old frame detail

Label on back

As with many of these long term (long term in the sense they get put away and forgotten), my thoughts about the final design may go through several revisions. I cut and joined the basic frame last year, and like the painting, it didn't get out of storage for quite a while. 

Silver leaf applied

Due to the fairly large size (24" x 28"), I wanted to do something with more wall presence, but not fancy. My usual technique for almost any project is multiple layers of material to create finishes that have variations and undertones. 

This started with gesso, coated with pigmented shellac, then silver leaf. The panel was painted in dark blue, then a silver leaf design applied. I wanted the design bold, with the same "casual" feel as the painting. 

Painting corner design with gold size

Silver leaf applied to designs

Afterwards, additional shellac, casein washes, and finally, wax and rottenstone. If this snow season persists I might get all caught up on the unfinished projects..

Detail of finished frame

Another project crossed off the list

Summer Painting Revisited

While snowbound I am pursuing my resolution to finish up those artworks that never quite got done. A side benefit is that it allows me to mentally revisit more pleasant weather.

This painting was started during one of the Artists Guild ofShrewsbury's plein air painting days at the Artemas Ward Homestead in Shrewsbury.

I enjoy the initial blocking in of a painting far more than the finishing details (perhaps I should change my style to this look). As frustrating as it may be to have something hanging around so long, I find it sometimes helpful as I can spend a lot more time thinking about it, and the painting may evolve in a different direction from my original intention.

Beginning

Second stage

As often happens, I was working on the frame at the same time.

Finished

This is another one started at one of our plein air sessions. It has such a rural look, hard to believe I was located in the parking lot for the retirement facility next door. 

  

I have no trouble getting started.

Some of these elements will be deleted, others added or changed.

Since the property was on the market, there was no activity, but once I got home and revisited it, I felt I needed to take some license to add "life" to it.

 After this, one more large one painting to finish, and then I can start some new works without guilt!

The Berkshires in Winter Part II

The second day of our December trip to the Berkshires was devoted to museums. We were anxious to revisit the Clark (Sterling and Francine Clark Institute) in Williamstown, as we had not been there since the opening of the large remodeling/addition project. The approach to the new wing is rather cold and sterile (perhaps it would have felt more welcoming on a day with better weather.

New wing at the Clark 

The new wing has large open spaces for temporary exhibitions. Currently on view was Monet/Kelley, showing how Ellsworth Kelley was inspired by Monet's work and environment during his 1950s stay in France. The "finished" Monet's in this particular exhibit were, I felt, some of his least successful. But the large oil sketches were electrifying, and had you not known the artist, you might have guessed they were contemporary paintings. Sorry that I could not take pictures in this exhibit.

Impressionist Gallery at the Clark

19th Century Salon at the Clark

Grant Wood: Death on the Ridge Road, 1935. Williams College Museum of Art

Our next stop was the Williams College Museum of Art, with its interesting and eclectic collection ranging from Early American to contemporary. I was surprised and delighted to see one of my
favorite Grant Wood paintings in the collection, Death on the Ridge Road.

One of the current exhibits was Franz West (Austrian, 1947-2012). His works were strange, sometimes funny, particularly his "adaptives" which vaguely resembled tools and appliances you may see in a dream or nightmare. In his original gallery installations, he intended for visitors to pick up and handle these items in order to interact with the art (we did not have that privilege in the museum).

Franz West

We then moved on to Mass Moca in North Adams. The highlight was the multi-story installation by Sol Lewitt. While not an artist I particularly care for, it was fascinating to see an art environment so large you wander through it, almost as if in a shopping mall of visuals.

When you visit Mass Moca, you may not care for the art, but the visit is so immersive that even if you feel contemporary installation art is some sort of con game, you still can enjoy the ride through the artist's vision.