tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57212222623088610402024-03-13T05:37:36.219-07:00FortHillStudiosA blog by Joseph Rice with posts about gilding (working with gold leaf), decorative painting, antiques and restoration, the decorative arts in general.FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.comBlogger323125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-9330107080929415522023-08-10T17:32:00.001-07:002023-08-10T17:32:27.877-07:00We're Back<p> After a few years of pandemic and personal changes, I will be active on here again. Maybe not immediately, but working on it. Stay tuned.</p><p><br /></p>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-60761339882157370522021-01-24T11:59:00.008-08:002021-01-24T12:01:21.385-08:00This Mirror Had Visitors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL3WVUqesT0/YA3RaX2M07I/AAAAAAAACxo/am2qQW0RhxAIVHdGBg_03-FZFYlCKc9LACLcBGAsYHQ/s987/3782englishMirrorAsFound1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL3WVUqesT0/YA3RaX2M07I/AAAAAAAACxo/am2qQW0RhxAIVHdGBg_03-FZFYlCKc9LACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/3782englishMirrorAsFound1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As found</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Oh, the perils of purchasing something on-line!<div><br /></div><div>This small mirror was inexpensive (yes, you get what you pay for) but the size and look were appealing, particularly since although the mirror plate was likely not original, they followed the convention of beveled edge, separate plates. </div><div><br /></div><div> Upon pickup, the mirror required a bit of examination. Still unclear to me is whether the frame is original, or an adaptation/alteration. There was evidence of insect infestation (although not current). Particular enticing areas were the small blocks holding the mirror plate, which, as was usual, were adhered with an animal glue. Very tempting to insects. In addition, some of the built up gesso suffered the same fate, again, due to the animal glue component. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since there is no evidence of fresh or recent frass (a classier name for insect you-know-what) I'm not concerned about continued damage. Treatment will begin with wood consolidant, then rebuilding of the most damaged areas. </div><div><br /></div><div> The surface has an old finish. I'm thinking that a cleaning/waxing will be in keeping. The liner, once repaired will be re-gilded. </div><div><br /></div><div>Approximately 39" x 14"
Purchase date 8/10/19</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zkfReP7ue8/YA3RadABCgI/AAAAAAAACxs/K_R2tT6dDmcIv4kX339AgB0666avFWNhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s444/3782EnglishMirrorCornerDamage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zkfReP7ue8/YA3RadABCgI/AAAAAAAACxs/K_R2tT6dDmcIv4kX339AgB0666avFWNhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/3782EnglishMirrorCornerDamage.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-57524972828530263252021-01-17T07:51:00.003-08:002021-01-17T07:51:23.269-08:00Frame Fix-Up<p>Back in the day, when you went to a picture framer they didn't always just cut and join pre-finished moldings. I really like the frames that truly were "custom" where the framer started with wood and created a surface treatment.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_KZVlJk8gA/YARbENyyQhI/AAAAAAAACwo/3kFo6t18ha4zt6wCY2WWs1oYDMHCecsZACLcBGAsYHQ/s546/SoyerFrameAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_KZVlJk8gA/YARbENyyQhI/AAAAAAAACwo/3kFo6t18ha4zt6wCY2WWs1oYDMHCecsZACLcBGAsYHQ/w325-h400/SoyerFrameAsFound.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As purchased. Bottom and left rails with no finish remaining, deterioration on remander.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />I purchased this painting a few years back. The frame's finish had suffered greatly. Two legs of the frame were down to bare wood. Possibly it had gotten damp and the gesso deteriorated, or perhaps someone started trying to (misguidedly) return the frame to "natural wood" and gave up.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqtm6RbTD4/YARbEA5GPlI/AAAAAAAACwk/3_zta9hbWOYDsgoI1RerWZZ4MXg8e0zyACLcBGAsYHQ/s444/SoyerFrameGesso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="444" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOqtm6RbTD4/YARbEA5GPlI/AAAAAAAACwk/3_zta9hbWOYDsgoI1RerWZZ4MXg8e0zyACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h324/SoyerFrameGesso.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying gesso</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>After a cleanup, new gesso was applied. A painted finish was built up with applications of various colors, along with some gentle distressing, to wind up with an "interesting grey".</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_1ycl-xCck/YARbE8GMJBI/AAAAAAAACws/7iKI8Pq6wKU87xr4XmuFEsKBFLOd24XEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s444/SoyerFramePaintingLayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="444" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_1ycl-xCck/YARbE8GMJBI/AAAAAAAACws/7iKI8Pq6wKU87xr4XmuFEsKBFLOd24XEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h316/SoyerFramePaintingLayers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the paint layers</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>There is no finish or additional work over the paint. When the painting is sent out for cleaning and re-varnishing I may need to adjust the frame color. Finishing will take place at that time.</p><p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYS3fCV4Yw/YARbFAi-UEI/AAAAAAAACww/ng-cwUWAACkV68LVM8cgYhOIoBtRo_JTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/SoyerFrameWithPaintingFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eYS3fCV4Yw/YARbFAi-UEI/AAAAAAAACww/ng-cwUWAACkV68LVM8cgYhOIoBtRo_JTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w329-h400/SoyerFrameWithPaintingFinal.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished (sort of)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLzDGoHqgd8/YARbEFG9YcI/AAAAAAAACwg/YpR9_MZodYIPQ7xFFL8gG90NWtwcPo-pACLcBGAsYHQ/s663/SoyerFrameFinishedAngled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLzDGoHqgd8/YARbEFG9YcI/AAAAAAAACwg/YpR9_MZodYIPQ7xFFL8gG90NWtwcPo-pACLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/SoyerFrameFinishedAngled.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-17331510207676199272021-01-11T12:54:00.005-08:002021-01-11T12:54:48.209-08:00Another One Finally Checked on the "To-Do" List<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These little mirrors are smaller versions of the typical early 19th century "cottage" mirrors with their split balusters, corner blocks and a panel at the top. The antique version would hold a reverse glass painting. These mini versions usually had a print of a "Colonial" scene, and judging by the photos or prints they appear to be from the 1020s or so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They show up fairly frequently, and I don't know why I bought this one. Probably just felt bad for it. I spruced up the frame and did a reverse glass painting. It now looks more like a period mirror.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This wasn't a particularly difficult or time consuming project, so why was it on the wall of my workshop, staring reproachfully at me for a few years before I finally tackled it? As they say, "the cobbler's children....".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, another of the pandemic era projects is finally done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJEITUbJqks/X_y5SkCy70I/AAAAAAAACwE/P4R4vX0AORkXEq4kY8ofB_1_alPZzLh5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s730/MiniBalusterFinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJEITUbJqks/X_y5SkCy70I/AAAAAAAACwE/P4R4vX0AORkXEq4kY8ofB_1_alPZzLh5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/MiniBalusterFinished.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished. Approximately 13" high.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPnwA1rxbRY/X_y5SqUScbI/AAAAAAAACwI/a4SesDEszfUznnZ8Zq0NFeQJSkLQ6f5wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s567/MiniBalusterAsFoundSanded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPnwA1rxbRY/X_y5SqUScbI/AAAAAAAACwI/a4SesDEszfUznnZ8Zq0NFeQJSkLQ6f5wwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/MiniBalusterAsFoundSanded.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In its original state</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-6760762129328882912020-12-13T12:09:00.002-08:002020-12-13T12:09:31.733-08:00Christmas Bells are Ringing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jNWh1Eid20/X9Z0Huk_HPI/AAAAAAAACvI/GJHyjh8uP74ueghYzvlO-ilOcudmNjwyACLcBGAsYHQ/s444/ChristmasBell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jNWh1Eid20/X9Z0Huk_HPI/AAAAAAAACvI/GJHyjh8uP74ueghYzvlO-ilOcudmNjwyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ChristmasBell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Well, we've come to the end of the year. And what a year.</p><p>I've been away from this blog for various reasons (none of them good). </p><p>In addition to the pandemic, we sold the house in Maine, and my partner of 40-plus years passed away in November after a long decline.</p><p>Now that things are settling out, I will be posting again, trying to get caught up with what has gone on through 2020 and keeping up with 2021.</p><p><br /></p><p>I hope 2021 will be better for all of us!</p><p><br /></p>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-59175325133983031702020-05-11T14:22:00.001-07:002020-05-12T04:30:55.284-07:00Don't Sit Under This Apple Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some of the houses on my street are located in what was an apple orchard back in the old days. Just about all the really old apple trees are now gone. This is what remains of what was the last one in the back yard. I feel that since they survived so long there is something undignified about hauling away their remains. Plus, they can supply sketching and painting subjects.</div>
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I took a number of photographs, and took my sketchpad out for some quick studies.</div>
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Since our lovely Spring weather turned, as is typical of New England, the ensuing watercolors were done indoors.</div>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-571929011036904372020-04-18T13:26:00.001-07:002020-04-18T13:49:21.526-07:00A Mirror! Aristocracy! The Theater!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes a project reveals information that, while not important or valuable, does at least liven up the day a bit.</div>
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When you need to work on an old frame or mirror, it is nice when you need to do a small repair without opening everything up. For bigger projects, you need to dismantle. This is primarily for ease of work (and minimizing risk too art or mirror plate. Sometimes you want to learn more, and need to look for clues inside.</div>
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<o:p>This over-mantel mirror is in sorry condition. Probably English, 18th century, as soon as I saw it I knew the mirror was replaced (if the mirror was period). Mirrors of this type would not have a single panel of mirror plate; the custom was for three panels, usually with slightly beveled edges, and no wooden dividers between them. This is usually attributed to taxation on large panes of glass or mirror; probably just as likely to the logistics and expense of getting a single large piece. </o:p></div>
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In any event, as soon as I lifted it I knew the glass was
replaced, as this was heavy plate glass. While this type of glass is of good quality, it is not a good replacement for
antique mirrors that were made for thinner, lighter glass. Often times the
frames cannot support the weight, and hanging hardware pulls out of the old,
dry wood and the mirror comes crashing down. This one had eye-hooks and wire
spanning the frame; NOT the way you want to hang a mirror like this. A miracle
it survived at all.<br />
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First step was to remove the back panels. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8L7p1bX-ZUo/XptgNdXwCtI/AAAAAAAACps/tQHPQwxYFP8Qs0ccSelHXJwKoBV88pSiACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BackboardsAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="563" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8L7p1bX-ZUo/XptgNdXwCtI/AAAAAAAACps/tQHPQwxYFP8Qs0ccSelHXJwKoBV88pSiACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BackboardsAsFound.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7wQtCRFmqQ/XptgODENNtI/AAAAAAAACpw/VxOX_XiewIopOId0VsQc9Sbam_7JMCuRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Label.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="455" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V7wQtCRFmqQ/XptgODENNtI/AAAAAAAACpw/VxOX_XiewIopOId0VsQc9Sbam_7JMCuRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Label.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum accession label</td></tr>
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Pasted on the backboard is a Cincinnati Art Museum accession
label from 1945, showing source as the Marquise de Talleyrand.</div>
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<o:p>The nails holding the panels were modern wire nails, as would be expected with replaced mirror plate. And, as was common with framers years back, cardboard was used between the mirror and dust panels.</o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECAxicMODOw/XptgNUWTSeI/AAAAAAAACpo/ELZxagRWnw0lfPx6BFrMERoc4WhD3JNGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BackAsFoundOpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="563" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECAxicMODOw/XptgNUWTSeI/AAAAAAAACpo/ELZxagRWnw0lfPx6BFrMERoc4WhD3JNGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BackAsFoundOpen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard a sign that this mirror has been worked on since the 18th century</td></tr>
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When I turned them over - a theatrical surprise! Someone had
used theater posters. The Ruth Gordon poster was for a play from the 1944
season; the ballet was likely from 1950. So unless the workshop had a really
old stash of stuff, this mirror plate was probably replaced in the early 1950s.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX7AoxJBUp8/XptgPQKyfsI/AAAAAAAACp8/qjPELfnR8Q48BpsfI950prSoi1Or2igjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="566" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX7AoxJBUp8/XptgPQKyfsI/AAAAAAAACp8/qjPELfnR8Q48BpsfI950prSoi1Or2igjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Posters.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe the workshop was in the theater district?</td></tr>
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Will need to stabilize the gesso, and make any infills
needed. The rails are not carved, then gessoed, but instead the gesso is built
into a thick layer and then carved. Tedious work to be sure.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni4qsdslJbU/XptgNVSYNII/AAAAAAAACpk/xTcApCFqRUQ9o241Bn63gVFUeoLxweXvACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/BrokenCornerAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="563" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni4qsdslJbU/XptgNVSYNII/AAAAAAAACpk/xTcApCFqRUQ9o241Bn63gVFUeoLxweXvACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BrokenCornerAsFound.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15ueqDXrwD0/XptgP6yvKhI/AAAAAAAACqA/yncMJ9DBG1cvD6BkEXv0fHtjcPCWfUSrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RailLossesAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="563" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15ueqDXrwD0/XptgP6yvKhI/AAAAAAAACqA/yncMJ9DBG1cvD6BkEXv0fHtjcPCWfUSrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/RailLossesAsFound.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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This is another one of my personal projects, so it will
probably be pretty low on the priority list. Don't expect to see an update on
the finished project any time soon, but at least now, without the glass it's a
lot easier to lift into its storage slot.</div>
<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-35919210244334354372020-04-14T17:13:00.003-07:002020-04-14T17:13:47.164-07:00Another Mirror I Really Didn't Want<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6F5XqcMaqi8/XpY3e77grZI/AAAAAAAACow/Ke-kDqE9TUE-eYYReUofVbNE7SkTw1bxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8119frenchStyleOvermantelAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="666" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6F5XqcMaqi8/XpY3e77grZI/AAAAAAAACow/Ke-kDqE9TUE-eYYReUofVbNE7SkTw1bxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/8119frenchStyleOvermantelAsFound.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Mirror as found</td></tr>
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These later version of the classic overmantel mirror were popular between the 1890s and WWI eras. They usually wound up hanging over a sideboard in the dining room if not actually used over a fireplace. They are usually poorly constructed with thin molded ornament. They are also usually deteriorating and not worth taking home, much less restoring. </div>
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I happened across this one, and the price ($10!) was, as they say, right. I didn't really want the frame - I wanted it for the piece of mirror plate in the center section. When I got home with it, I realized that it was more substantial, and of better quality than most of these I run across. The turnings and ornament were fairly robust, and the prints nice copies of early ones. Some areas were water gilt, the rest flash gilded. </div>
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Of course, nothing is perfect. There was a section of rail that sustained damage. I made a mold and cast a replacement. Actually two, since fitting these curved pieces can be tricky, and invariable at least one attempt shatters. Having a backup ensures that the first one will work fine and the second will not be needed.</div>
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There will be some gesso fills and touch-ups. I'm also debating replacing the prints with mirror plate. But since it will probably just end up in storage, maybe I'll make that decision later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG2cB_wRdrA/XpY3e_0RtSI/AAAAAAAACo0/Crgwhv5xbvEv5WFR3YidaUt643U5AL5ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8119frenchStyleOvermantelMissing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="666" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG2cB_wRdrA/XpY3e_0RtSI/AAAAAAAACo0/Crgwhv5xbvEv5WFR3YidaUt643U5AL5ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/8119frenchStyleOvermantelMissing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing section and new casting</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpshNFrOZQU/XpY3e5WOWbI/AAAAAAAACo4/hhlkR1YZ5rQLe6xji0vzGr5dWpNCFDtzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8119replacementPiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="666" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpshNFrOZQU/XpY3e5WOWbI/AAAAAAAACo4/hhlkR1YZ5rQLe6xji0vzGr5dWpNCFDtzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/8119replacementPiece.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casting fitted into position</td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-33888902492574978402020-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:002020-04-03T06:41:01.336-07:00Well is it the Whole Ball of Wax or Not?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GwyRTB6gs/Xoc6tmVYUrI/AAAAAAAACoE/osm1kjAzN8IWrxTeXKfqM3CfQFY8Rmq_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/SkewingsJar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="522" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GwyRTB6gs/Xoc6tmVYUrI/AAAAAAAACoE/osm1kjAzN8IWrxTeXKfqM3CfQFY8Rmq_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/SkewingsJar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current skewings jar</td></tr>
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I'm in the middle of another gilding project. While working with gold leaf, you do wind up with small scraps, or "skewings" - the excess gold that did not adhere and gets brushed off the item. It's a good idea to save these since they can come in handy later. For example, touch-up work in crevices or inner areas where these can be pushed in and then the excess removed (remember putting glitter on Elmer's glue when you were in elementary school?).<br />
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They can also be used in some decorative painting techniques where they are scattered on a surface.<br />
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As you become more experienced as a gilder, you get better at handling and laying leaf, so you don't have as much excess as you might think. This is a jar I've been using for years, and as you can see, it still has room. As for actual gold content, due to the thinness of the leaf, there are only a few grams of gold in there.<br />
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You've probably heard the saying "The whole ball of wax" meaning "everything". Some people believed that this came from the practice of picking up the scrap gold with a ball of wax, to be sent for sale at the scrap gold dealer. As it would take a long time to accumulate enough gold to make this worthwhile, someone could walk off with it; - making off with "the whole ball of wax".<br />
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These, and other versions are probably just legends. It is believed the true origin of the phrase derived from "the whole bailiwick".<br />
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Gilders like our story better.<br />
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-80439833494118107352020-03-18T12:24:00.002-07:002020-03-18T12:25:15.689-07:00Keeping Busy while Keeping my Social Distance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realize that it has been a while since a blog entry. And
now that we are in isolation mode it seems like a good chance to get caught up
on a lot of things.</div>
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I'm using this time to work on a client project, as well as
some of my own that have fallen by the wayside, never made it out of storage
(and recent purchases).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYhhdXQ-LEQ/XnJ0RbosbrI/AAAAAAAACnQ/ZPMpEsFSsWMwLT_w103_8VC1ZxQgG-sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/MarchGilding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="666" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYhhdXQ-LEQ/XnJ0RbosbrI/AAAAAAAACnQ/ZPMpEsFSsWMwLT_w103_8VC1ZxQgG-sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/MarchGilding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools of the trade</td></tr>
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The pieces shown here are for a chandelier. I received the
unassembled pieces (Hey, kids, get this great "Make Your Own Chandelier
Kit", but here is an illustration of a similar one on the project page: <a href="http://www.forthillstudios.com/Restorations/Chandelier2020/chandelier.html">http://www.forthillstudios.com/Restorations/Chandelier2020/chandelier.html</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ljP0I9s6RY/XnJz4HJ4IWI/AAAAAAAACm0/bgke45P34PgV2wt8p_8SxShmjBpgHARrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2272rococcoAsFound1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="344" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ljP0I9s6RY/XnJz4HJ4IWI/AAAAAAAACm0/bgke45P34PgV2wt8p_8SxShmjBpgHARrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2272rococcoAsFound1.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mirror was hanging on the wall for a bout a year. Finally stripped paint last month.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pttjpNEGV4/XnJz4CDLaqI/AAAAAAAACm4/-9vBNZ0HKGoIEIdV1yWRdxjJK_6DdYCvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2272rococcoClamping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="444" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pttjpNEGV4/XnJz4CDLaqI/AAAAAAAACm4/-9vBNZ0HKGoIEIdV1yWRdxjJK_6DdYCvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2272rococcoClamping.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the structural repair begins</td></tr>
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While the situation we are in is not pleasant, I'll try to
make good use of my time. Both working on projects and posting about them.</div>
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<o:p>I saw an oval potrait like the one below while previewing an auction. Then remembered I had one just like it in storage waiting for a repair. Now I'll put this in the queue.</o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3O_IJQNmI0/XnJz4E30MMI/AAAAAAAACm8/-JVidcrgOvEhm8SoZBzCBd_jwiXzzBAGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2645ovalPortraitAsFound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3O_IJQNmI0/XnJz4E30MMI/AAAAAAAACm8/-JVidcrgOvEhm8SoZBzCBd_jwiXzzBAGACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2645ovalPortraitAsFound.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As often happens, edges suffer losses on these ovals</td></tr>
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<o:p>Not the most extraordinary example, but the reverse painting was intact, the surface of the frame oxidized/aged but not over-painted. Corner elements need repair, but this is usually one of the simplest types of repairs. Currently hanging by the laundry room as a constant reproach. This could be its time!</o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlpru3YVylg/XnJz48rnDlI/AAAAAAAACnA/PKAwhquj1hgUuP8rlz8jhNaJBU6nQQy1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3784splitcolLandscapeAsfound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="344" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlpru3YVylg/XnJz48rnDlI/AAAAAAAACnA/PKAwhquj1hgUuP8rlz8jhNaJBU6nQQy1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/3784splitcolLandscapeAsfound.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All right, all right. I'll get to it.</td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-86629089391901849452019-11-17T12:12:00.000-08:002019-11-17T12:12:55.055-08:00Plein Air and the Requisite Adjustments<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaI01yeG7js/XdGnaMYLn2I/AAAAAAAAClo/rSlKHsXY00Mka_QlYe9YqiN9tEAz0-_bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/TuftsLandscapeView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="666" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaI01yeG7js/XdGnaMYLn2I/AAAAAAAAClo/rSlKHsXY00Mka_QlYe9YqiN9tEAz0-_bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/TuftsLandscapeView.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green fields, ominous clouds</td></tr>
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In August, my friend Steve and I spent a plein air day on Route 30 in Westborough (proving that you don't have to travel far in order to find subject matter). The stretch between Nourse farm and Tufts Veterinary Hospital offer some good views (as well as spots to pull off the road safely).</div>
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Now that winter is approaching, we re-visit those pleasant plein air excursions by taking out the paintings, evaluating them and doing any necessary (or even un-necessary) finishing touches.</div>
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I find that my paintings are impressive when out in the field, but when they come inside the house they are lacking something. Perhaps it's the change in light, or the passage of time.</div>
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These excursions do provide material for painting indoors over the upcoming winter.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve packing up His works are far more vibrant with more exciting color than I dare to use.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like to paint in style.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looked good in the field</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As painted outdoors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some later reworking </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As painted in the field</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With later work at home. Not that much was done; major differences due to lighting when photographed.</td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-63923217991757007422019-11-12T03:47:00.000-08:002019-11-12T03:47:27.437-08:00End of the Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the doorstep pumpkin home for the winter. Well, for the compost pile.</td></tr>
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<br />When fall arrives, it's time to start thinking about when to close up the house in Maine. Usually, there are spells of weather so good that you keep saying "well, maybe I'll just wait another week". And invariably, immediately afterwards the weather turns bitter and cold, usually with some freezing rain in the mix. Once again, I had planned a long close-up weekend, and then the forecast was for a week of record cold. So I made the one day journey to close up, take home the things that I needed back home, as well as those that should not be left in the cold, cold house.<br />
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You'd think after all these years I'd learn my lesson and not keep trying to extend the season.<br />
<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-74185824755586148932019-10-17T14:20:00.001-07:002019-10-17T14:20:19.579-07:00Regilding an Oval Victorian LinerGilded liners for picture frames usually suffer from overzealous cleaning of the glass, where abrasion, combined with ammonia based products removes the protective shellac and then the gold.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damaged are</td></tr>
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In this case, the damage appeared to have been caused by the frame standing in a wet area. The gesso had become friable at one end, and the clay and gilding gone from that area. The concern with water damage is whether the rest of the gesso has been compromised.</div>
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The glue holding the joint together had also dissolved, so the first step was to re-glue and clamp this joint. The liner was gessoed, smoothed, and a grey clay applied. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey clay applied</td></tr>
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As it would be difficult to have a graceful transition, the entire liner was re-gilded with 22K. After burnishing, a light distressing, then shellac applied.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water gilding</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
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FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-23194224911081812982019-02-12T11:48:00.000-08:002019-02-12T11:48:03.202-08:00A Tropical Sojurn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On a cold, windy Saturday it was a nice respite to go a few miles up the road to Tower Hill Botanical Garden. While it wasn't a day for the outdoors, their indoor spaces were warm and tropical. We picked this spot for sketching, primarily because their was a convenient table and chairs to use as a workstation.</div>
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Not wanting to haul in any painting equipment, I took some photos and made a couple of sketches.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Bacchante hiding in the foliage (at least from this angle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He looks a bit like Harpo Marx in this sketch.</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, made one of my sporadic appearances with a local painting group. Since a storm was imminent, wanted to paint something, anything that wouldn't include snow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My watercolor version</td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-77485906413663958512018-12-23T04:06:00.000-08:002018-12-23T04:06:09.759-08:00Local InspirationFor some reason I am fascinated by garages. This may be due to the fact that growing up we did not have one, or the fact that now that I have a two car garage, workshop and other stuff means that no car has been parked in it for the past 20 years.<br />
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When stopping at the dry cleaner's, I noticed this garage across the street, in the process of being updated. By the time I got around to taking a photograph, the doors had already been replaced.<br />
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But I was still intrigued enough to save it for reference, and did a quick watercolor sketch to cement it in my mind.</div>
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As usual, my first attempts always seem tentative in their use of color, and wind up looking insipid once dried.</div>
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I revisited the subject, using my artistic license (until it gets revoked) in order to add more signs of life and color. And best of all, it provided the image for this year's Christmas card!</div>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-62405636589903800702018-10-03T14:34:00.002-07:002018-10-03T14:35:26.778-07:00Car Talk<br />
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I've always loved old cars, but owning one (or more) will
wait until I win the lottery. Not so much for the purchase price, but for the
wages of someone to maintain them for me. Still, I go to car shows just to look
and fantasize.</div>
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And sometimes they appear when least expected. This past
week one was parked in front of the barber shop I go to. I think it is an 1940s
Cadillac "sedanette". Just what my fedora-wearing self needs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZm2ek5aNM/W7U1R3whCMI/AAAAAAAACfs/aK7sma29mhUi5qLOaH07PfAiOZl4NwEPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Caddy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="666" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuZm2ek5aNM/W7U1R3whCMI/AAAAAAAACfs/aK7sma29mhUi5qLOaH07PfAiOZl4NwEPwCLcBGAs/s400/Caddy1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a role in film noir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3CXLy1VhY/W7U1R5eGaGI/AAAAAAAACfw/707IQhhHaFAb0_XWr4rjLEwQdJ3eC1qdgCLcBGAs/s1600/Caddy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="666" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3CXLy1VhY/W7U1R5eGaGI/AAAAAAAACfw/707IQhhHaFAb0_XWr4rjLEwQdJ3eC1qdgCLcBGAs/s400/Caddy2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then, while out on Sunday, I came out of a store to find an
Edsel parked next to me.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuUfw7-4nnA/W7U1YKizmxI/AAAAAAAACf4/6IaIGYxMufgUWZn1e1AmUDOVO5MVBkzgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Edsel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="666" height="262" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuUfw7-4nnA/W7U1YKizmxI/AAAAAAAACf4/6IaIGYxMufgUWZn1e1AmUDOVO5MVBkzgQCLcBGAs/s400/Edsel1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supposedly failed due to styling, but probably failed for other reasons, then blamed on styling.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4e3nq06ko/W7U1YFqriiI/AAAAAAAACf0/vmeua65fTwQRXdIkw_JvSL25HZs7Eu9oQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG4465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="666" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4e3nq06ko/W7U1YFqriiI/AAAAAAAACf0/vmeua65fTwQRXdIkw_JvSL25HZs7Eu9oQCLcBGAs/s400/IMAG4465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dqh20LwIU/W7U1YC5Q0fI/AAAAAAAACf8/57or2oGsTlMgwmk0URDOu7hCljWbaKBjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Edsel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="666" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6dqh20LwIU/W7U1YC5Q0fI/AAAAAAAACf8/57or2oGsTlMgwmk0URDOu7hCljWbaKBjQCLcBGAs/s400/Edsel3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the push-button transmission control in the center of the steering wheel.</td></tr>
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Should I take these appearances as coincidences, or as
omens?</div>
<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-51212298914071664302018-06-01T13:04:00.000-07:002018-06-01T13:04:14.482-07:00Incremental Improvement (or, the long way around the barn)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFjTVIcuHGw/WxGl6J3uANI/AAAAAAAACes/gOnnBbGfQmETZfsqET9gzNa92mIYC409wCLcBGAs/s1600/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="737" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BFjTVIcuHGw/WxGl6J3uANI/AAAAAAAACes/gOnnBbGfQmETZfsqET9gzNa92mIYC409wCLcBGAs/s400/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You may have seen this painting before. The barn/antique
shop belongs to someone I know, and I happened to see a photo on her Facebook
page. I thought it would make a good painting subject, but when I was done, I
wasn't too thrilled with it. While on a small framing binge, I was deciding whether or
not it was worth framing.<br />
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I taped it to a board and started making a few changes. As
usual with my paintings, I felt it needed some more darks, and other tones to
break up the large white facade. I still wasn't happy. </div>
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Then I took some
artistic license and added yellow to the sign. Eye-catching, but somewhat
distracting. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6uDEW6vhdA/WxGl6RmC5SI/AAAAAAAACew/KdYncztRghQPczw-ziotuSaiED_YfraOQCLcBGAs/s1600/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="737" height="293" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6uDEW6vhdA/WxGl6RmC5SI/AAAAAAAACew/KdYncztRghQPczw-ziotuSaiED_YfraOQCLcBGAs/s400/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spot of yellow?</td></tr>
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I painted the doors yellow to balance it out, as well as picking
out a few more details. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cceaHbzhJUw/WxGl65_617I/AAAAAAAACe4/8HOhKpGwj-sn_sIRROi3dNBJ5VrYrGT4ACLcBGAs/s1600/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="737" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cceaHbzhJUw/WxGl65_617I/AAAAAAAACe4/8HOhKpGwj-sn_sIRROi3dNBJ5VrYrGT4ACLcBGAs/s400/PerryAntiqueBarnApril2018version4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More yellow!</td></tr>
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<br />Small changes, but these gave the painting more life.
Once framed I saw some more areas I could play with, but not now.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWCpwyTnpPE/WxGl6bhxi4I/AAAAAAAACeo/Lj85EVpVYzs3-EG7T8-JXfvYMy77KqA1wCLcBGAs/s1600/FramedPerryBarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWCpwyTnpPE/WxGl6bhxi4I/AAAAAAAACeo/Lj85EVpVYzs3-EG7T8-JXfvYMy77KqA1wCLcBGAs/s400/FramedPerryBarn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe in a frame - no more tinkering.</td></tr>
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The lesson here is that none of my paintings are ever really
finished.</div>
<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-62296094709200555672018-05-14T04:16:00.003-07:002018-05-14T04:18:48.936-07:00Adding a Pair to a Full House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAu28VuV9UA/WvlvE0OwT6I/AAAAAAAACdA/nX6x-Vy8A-sQkiZixmBbKuyzSAuV3HuvQCLcBGAs/s1600/3142asDeliveredWorkbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="488" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAu28VuV9UA/WvlvE0OwT6I/AAAAAAAACdA/nX6x-Vy8A-sQkiZixmBbKuyzSAuV3HuvQCLcBGAs/s320/3142asDeliveredWorkbench.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While not period antiques, this pair of mirrors is very attractive, and are descendants of the way many frames and mirrors were made in the nineteenth century when the use of composition ornament took over from hand carving.<br />
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That means, unfortunately, they suffer from the same inherent faults of using compo as their predecessors: wood and compo expand and contract at different rates, and pieces of the molded ornament can lose their grip and fall off. These mirrors had losses (as well as a previous bad repair). </div>
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The mystery is what happened to these large pieces - I suspect someone has an end table with these pieces in the drawer, and has wondered what they belonged to.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGh2_-5YONA/WvlvFceNbzI/AAAAAAAACdI/ILfZ2FX6NtI3gCTZ7I-_WQa64X3XWX3iQCLcBGAs/s1600/BadRepair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="488" height="321" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGh2_-5YONA/WvlvFceNbzI/AAAAAAAACdI/ILfZ2FX6NtI3gCTZ7I-_WQa64X3XWX3iQCLcBGAs/s400/BadRepair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing a very bad old repair attempt.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_bgZPYttAw/WvlvF5ZEZQI/AAAAAAAACdU/OclWDvxhZ90jGf4mxvBh0w_S5CE_GUo6ACLcBGAs/s1600/MissingMolding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="488" height="310" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_bgZPYttAw/WvlvF5ZEZQI/AAAAAAAACdU/OclWDvxhZ90jGf4mxvBh0w_S5CE_GUo6ACLcBGAs/s400/MissingMolding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While it looks daunting, this is usually a simple repair.</td></tr>
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Another problem with this style of mirror is that when not
on the wall, they need to lie flat as there is no way to lean them on an edge
without damaging them. This one suffered a break to one bottom swag, breaking
the piece and bending the wire armature out of alignment.</div>
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When examining these closely, I noticed how they were not
identical, due to the way the ornament was applied. While not attaining
perfection, these differences indicate that human beings worked on them.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI3sU8CXWsM/WvlvFjImvQI/AAAAAAAACdQ/I-1hCaubVvAZQixoq41Q2zMbyeH5zG5HQCLcBGAs/s1600/BrokenBottomSwag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="488" height="330" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI3sU8CXWsM/WvlvFjImvQI/AAAAAAAACdQ/I-1hCaubVvAZQixoq41Q2zMbyeH5zG5HQCLcBGAs/s400/BrokenBottomSwag.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone wasn't careful.</td></tr>
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The repairs were fairly straightforward - molding and
casting, gilding and toning.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vMK5AAh43_w/WvlvF80B-xI/AAAAAAAACdY/ATdFtP2wG6k0I37WPpsrbq9EY7dbmt5ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/MoldMaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="488" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vMK5AAh43_w/WvlvF80B-xI/AAAAAAAACdY/ATdFtP2wG6k0I37WPpsrbq9EY7dbmt5ZQCLcBGAs/s320/MoldMaking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molding and casting replacement sections.</td></tr>
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Currently on the wall for their own protection until a
suitable packing case arrangement can be built for safely transporting them.
Meanwhile, the previous wall occupants have been exiled to storage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YkzPgnPz1I/WvlvE8X3zgI/AAAAAAAACdM/VKdgf8txxEcxMoxDOPDT8CuvzMo8bwyGQCLcBGAs/s1600/3142finished1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YkzPgnPz1I/WvlvE8X3zgI/AAAAAAAACdM/VKdgf8txxEcxMoxDOPDT8CuvzMo8bwyGQCLcBGAs/s400/3142finished1.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XGnujEIY6g/WvlvE4e3UPI/AAAAAAAACdE/CuA-d2A0JU8Z2t_H3qNuDuwOo_Z4fw20ACLcBGAs/s1600/3142finished2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XGnujEIY6g/WvlvE4e3UPI/AAAAAAAACdE/CuA-d2A0JU8Z2t_H3qNuDuwOo_Z4fw20ACLcBGAs/s400/3142finished2.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-58139050761225998812018-04-16T13:55:00.003-07:002018-04-16T13:55:54.043-07:00Just Touch Up Some of the Gray, Please.The weather was deceptively spring-like on Saturday, so a few of us went out for the first plein air session of the 2018 season at Potter Hill in Grafton.<br />
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This area has nice vistas as far as Mount Wachusett, but as usual, my focus was a little closer. The colors were not intense, as the day was not consistently sunny, and of course, due to this year's weather pattern, not much was leafing out yet.<br />
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As often happens, my paintings look ok until I get them home, where they look pale and insipid. I took some corrective action a couple days later. Improved, but I would still like more depth in some of the color.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZvPkub3PXI/WtUNJL_1XrI/AAAAAAAACcM/nBESiF6BT2w-Yp5VApFYyrIdQgt7kQ9oQCLcBGAs/s1600/HayBales1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="666" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZvPkub3PXI/WtUNJL_1XrI/AAAAAAAACcM/nBESiF6BT2w-Yp5VApFYyrIdQgt7kQ9oQCLcBGAs/s400/HayBales1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hay Bales" as painted outdoors</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1doZrP88Vs/WtUNJNm3LHI/AAAAAAAACcI/FAXkR5FDDN4PPcgzMZ8Z08qMYm8yNcXCQCLcBGAs/s1600/HayBales2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="666" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l1doZrP88Vs/WtUNJNm3LHI/AAAAAAAACcI/FAXkR5FDDN4PPcgzMZ8Z08qMYm8yNcXCQCLcBGAs/s400/HayBales2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">"Hay Bales" after enhancement<br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ab_4rYiteJU/WtUNJJ2DobI/AAAAAAAACcE/jjJuZBp2gZIwbQLQW6M51r7q2S5r3-Y_QCLcBGAs/s1600/WishingWell1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="666" height="311" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ab_4rYiteJU/WtUNJJ2DobI/AAAAAAAACcE/jjJuZBp2gZIwbQLQW6M51r7q2S5r3-Y_QCLcBGAs/s400/WishingWell1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wishing Well" as painted outdoors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Ob-ZKUVbs/WtUNJn8zwRI/AAAAAAAACcQ/gWEMGyyuA1semnxl-vorxezqkpxHxhWgACLcBGAs/s1600/WishingWell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="666" height="306" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t9Ob-ZKUVbs/WtUNJn8zwRI/AAAAAAAACcQ/gWEMGyyuA1semnxl-vorxezqkpxHxhWgACLcBGAs/s400/WishingWell2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wishing Well" after enhancement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-80792280489501016532018-02-25T02:52:00.002-08:002018-02-25T02:55:10.490-08:00A Little Light Classical<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_1mkZCtjJQ/WpKUlHq-_dI/AAAAAAAACbQ/gE05Z7xgMOgR4DXW4C30yGXmnnW_GAfggCLcBGAs/s1600/FinishedClassicalOvalPanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="666" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_1mkZCtjJQ/WpKUlHq-_dI/AAAAAAAACbQ/gE05Z7xgMOgR4DXW4C30yGXmnnW_GAfggCLcBGAs/s400/FinishedClassicalOvalPanel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished eglomise panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I accumulate mirrors, sometimes just for the glass panels. Of course, sometimes these were broken, but I have them for my archive and use them to make a copy. <br />
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This mirror is one I purchased for the panel (<a href="http://forthillstudios.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-crude-eglomise-mirror-panel.html" target="_blank">earlier post here</a>), and after making my copies (<a href="http://forthillstudios.blogspot.com/2013/06/green-skies-smiling-at-me.html" target="_blank">another post here</a>), decided I wanted to make the mirror useful again. I had been wanting to do something in a classical vein, with a more refined image, and wanted a mirror with a more delicate frame to match. Aha, I had this one on hand.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2N0q10YIkrE/WpKUNxzelFI/AAAAAAAACbI/_tpUI1DchCMS5Ve7LA38Yiwmj25Nz0JmwCEwYBhgL/s1600/OldPanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2N0q10YIkrE/WpKUNxzelFI/AAAAAAAACbI/_tpUI1DchCMS5Ve7LA38Yiwmj25Nz0JmwCEwYBhgL/s400/OldPanel.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror with original broken panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I found an image in one of the Dover books on classical themed illustration, and used that as the basis for this version.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2lszy5uqjY/WpKUlIXD3jI/AAAAAAAACbU/CFZ7BKye5cEmdcIQ6aKLlsUrBqysxwj4QCLcBGAs/s1600/classicalWoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="666" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2lszy5uqjY/WpKUlIXD3jI/AAAAAAAACbU/CFZ7BKye5cEmdcIQ6aKLlsUrBqysxwj4QCLcBGAs/s400/classicalWoman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The procedure is the same as I have described in other blog postings: Gold leaf on the glass, etch, backup areas with black, then apply background paint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XUuKcObvpE/WpKUN--WE2I/AAAAAAAACbM/rL4gbvvuoXsyM-wDeMSmge1zE20PtiqkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/PanelBackedup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="666" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XUuKcObvpE/WpKUN--WE2I/AAAAAAAACbM/rL4gbvvuoXsyM-wDeMSmge1zE20PtiqkQCEwYBhgL/s400/PanelBackedup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold leaf backed u p with paint</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUxdaaWQSwI/WpKUlGKLgfI/AAAAAAAACbY/ww-9SvL5fucpTrUZP21ubFadDFbWwXGrgCLcBGAs/s1600/ClassicalMirrorFinalAssembly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUxdaaWQSwI/WpKUlGKLgfI/AAAAAAAACbY/ww-9SvL5fucpTrUZP21ubFadDFbWwXGrgCLcBGAs/s400/ClassicalMirrorFinalAssembly.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished project</td></tr>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-17172826103274652132018-02-16T15:59:00.001-08:002018-02-16T15:59:13.573-08:00Figure Painting Wrap Up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rxrsu6mo-Jk/WodvZ61MywI/AAAAAAAACaU/vGlk7UX1YmQyzfVEAHiSC-ppvWjuH3etgCLcBGAs/s1600/Feb2018WAMmarci1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="666" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rxrsu6mo-Jk/WodvZ61MywI/AAAAAAAACaU/vGlk7UX1YmQyzfVEAHiSC-ppvWjuH3etgCLcBGAs/s400/Feb2018WAMmarci1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marci I</td></tr>
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Last session of the three week course at the <a href="http://www.worcesterart.org/" target="_blank">Worcester ArtMuseum</a>, Portrait and Figure in Watercolor with Randy LeSage (I did paint in week 2, but haven't got photos done).</div>
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Our model for the evening was Marci, who is also a blues singer. I am trying to be more forceful and adventurous with color, as well as looser with brush work.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsiQWdDbjTE/WodvZzMaebI/AAAAAAAACaY/tLch1foBLzsNh-1ekU5FpYzwmQSqk0ETwCLcBGAs/s1600/Feb2018WAMmarci2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsiQWdDbjTE/WodvZzMaebI/AAAAAAAACaY/tLch1foBLzsNh-1ekU5FpYzwmQSqk0ETwCLcBGAs/s400/Feb2018WAMmarci2.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marci II</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcgY_1NPW1k/WodvaUQDJEI/AAAAAAAACac/QExo80C4sLsMRpPBQT9zUF0FC1yTf2iyQCLcBGAs/s1600/Feb2018WAMmarciSketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="666" height="278" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcgY_1NPW1k/WodvaUQDJEI/AAAAAAAACac/QExo80C4sLsMRpPBQT9zUF0FC1yTf2iyQCLcBGAs/s320/Feb2018WAMmarciSketch2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preliminary quick sketch</td></tr>
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Still doing a sketch before painting, in order to
familiarize myself with the subject through observation, and find out the areas
likely to cause trouble in the painting, since watercolor can be difficult, if
not impossible to correct.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2kYXxnzpM8/WodvZ9Cl-CI/AAAAAAAACaQ/gwLVtuZDQiUpM8c-g5vvAVfJFcTQU9p6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Feb2018WAMmarci3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="666" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2kYXxnzpM8/WodvZ9Cl-CI/AAAAAAAACaQ/gwLVtuZDQiUpM8c-g5vvAVfJFcTQU9p6wCLcBGAs/s400/Feb2018WAMmarci3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marci III</td></tr>
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As with many things, practice, practice, practice.</div>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 242;">Next course is the same, but in oils. Hope I'm able to
sign up for that one as well.</span>FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-58103269789606006862018-02-02T13:17:00.001-08:002018-02-02T13:19:02.556-08:00Let's Face It<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6sJAfIDmh8/WnTVGcmZKgI/AAAAAAAACZs/Y3-w7O1lk30EFdrWXs49Dl93Iout1i6WgCLcBGAs/s1600/KateWatercolor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="666" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6sJAfIDmh8/WnTVGcmZKgI/AAAAAAAACZs/Y3-w7O1lk30EFdrWXs49Dl93Iout1i6WgCLcBGAs/s400/KateWatercolor3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Over the past few years I have tried honing my skills at figure drawing, primarily through the <a href="http://www.worcesterart.org/" target="_blank">Worcester Art Museum's</a> life drawing sessions in the galleries. Since they have been discontinued, I have signed up for a watercolor portrait and figure class with instructor Randy LeSage.<br />
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The experience with drawing has been helpful, as this is my first attempt at portraits and figures in watercolor. The model was Kate, and her fair coloring and delicate features made it a struggle for this first week's attempts.<br />
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In any event, onward and upward with the arts!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tSXRJSTdI8/WnTVF5jz0-I/AAAAAAAACZg/YIuSuvjCPJw7Bj_zGChGG1drvr6QrCHbwCLcBGAs/s1600/KateSketch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tSXRJSTdI8/WnTVF5jz0-I/AAAAAAAACZg/YIuSuvjCPJw7Bj_zGChGG1drvr6QrCHbwCLcBGAs/s320/KateSketch1.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrHLTOjkuzk/WnTVF96PvLI/AAAAAAAACZk/qCsWXBOizhULJr5FISdgTZ3DZVOjW6GzwCLcBGAs/s1600/KateSketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrHLTOjkuzk/WnTVF96PvLI/AAAAAAAACZk/qCsWXBOizhULJr5FISdgTZ3DZVOjW6GzwCLcBGAs/s400/KateSketch2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkLzXyGLTcQ/WnTVF7BpDrI/AAAAAAAACZc/ZCj5G6N4J40cS6eK9PcLbgP9cQs2FL9DACLcBGAs/s1600/KateWatercolor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkLzXyGLTcQ/WnTVF7BpDrI/AAAAAAAACZc/ZCj5G6N4J40cS6eK9PcLbgP9cQs2FL9DACLcBGAs/s400/KateWatercolor1.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkyRGvhcuE4/WnTVGX8GNyI/AAAAAAAACZo/uNaDdsKEmSExXDvgDMFFzP8gp3llu5fQgCLcBGAs/s1600/KateWatercolor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkyRGvhcuE4/WnTVGX8GNyI/AAAAAAAACZo/uNaDdsKEmSExXDvgDMFFzP8gp3llu5fQgCLcBGAs/s400/KateWatercolor2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<br />FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-26235676960886592562017-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:002017-12-30T11:56:13.375-08:00Like Day and Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2makz0Hkb4/WkfuXTzRpMI/AAAAAAAACWs/f9kWsSLZT3Y2XhAJenZO9BmhsxmSdjFEgCLcBGAs/s1600/FortHillOverlookPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="666" height="301" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2makz0Hkb4/WkfuXTzRpMI/AAAAAAAACWs/f9kWsSLZT3Y2XhAJenZO9BmhsxmSdjFEgCLcBGAs/s400/FortHillOverlookPhoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Fort Hill Street in Wiscasset</td></tr>
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There are scenes that you may walk by frequently, and always
"meant to take a photo" or think "that would make a good
painting subject". It can take a long time for these inspirations to come
to fruition.</div>
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The owner of a property near mine in Wiscasset, Maine, has
been converting the hillside into an almost vertical landscape. When viewed
from my street, you would see very little as it is at the edge of the hill. In
addition, a number of trees blocked the view. With the removal of some trees,
he now has more light for his yard, and it has opened up the view of that section
of the village. </div>
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The inspiration for the painting came from seeing this view
on a daily basis while out walking the dogs, although it took me a couple of
years to get around to it. Looking down on the buildings from this vantage
point made it seem more toy-like and whimsical than most of my other scenes.
Rather than be technically realistic, I did take some liberties with placement
and color to create a fun and colorful view.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dduY1xyfoVE/WkfuXXPn_lI/AAAAAAAACWk/jUTsI1KOhG4fLKUoF2c_Ml05vroMGU_xwCLcBGAs/s1600/FortHillOverlookFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dduY1xyfoVE/WkfuXXPn_lI/AAAAAAAACWk/jUTsI1KOhG4fLKUoF2c_Ml05vroMGU_xwCLcBGAs/s400/FortHillOverlookFinal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Wiscasset
Village, Acrylic, 24 x 30</td></tr>
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Painting finally completed, and won second place at the
Artist Guild of Shrewsbury's annual show in November, 2017.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Place winner</td></tr>
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Looking down from my street to the other side of the
village, I was taken by the view of the food shop and bakery on the next
street. Yes, while walking the dogs, at night this time.</div>
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I did a small watercolor sketch, with the idea of making a
more finished painting at some point. Again, a hiatus of two years before completing the second
painting. Again, liberties were taken.</div>
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24</td></tr>
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FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-10608607741737363652017-11-13T13:39:00.002-08:002017-11-14T04:41:55.176-08:00Does this artist's name ring a bell?<br />
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I happened to come across these two paintings listed in a Skinner's auction catalog. The paintings, while pleasant and competent, might not seem that striking. The name of the artist, Edward Darley Boit, may not immediately ring a bell with most people.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://skinnerlive.auctionserver.net/view-auctions/catalog/id/356/lot/161817/?url=%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F356%2F" target="_blank">Lot 1016</a><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Edward Darley Boit (American, 1842-1916) Hillside Landscape</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://skinnerlive.auctionserver.net/view-auctions/catalog/id/356/lot/162261/?url=%2Fview-auctions%2Fcatalog%2Fid%2F356%2F%3Fpage%3D8" target="_blank">Lot 1362</a><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">: </span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">Edward Darley Boit (American, 1840-1915) Villa, San Remo</span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></td></tr>
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What makes them of interest is the connection the artist has to a very well known painting, possibly the most famous painting in Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Yes, those are his daughters in the famous<a href="http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/the-daughters-of-edward-darley-boit-31782" target="_blank"> Sargent painting.</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit (1882)<br />
John Singer Sargent (American, 1856–1925)</td></tr>
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FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5721222262308861040.post-45667444288848998832017-07-19T08:59:00.002-07:002017-07-19T09:28:22.266-07:00Swept Away in the Flood - of 1938<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"How high's the water, Momma?"</td></tr>
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More than the lobster or lighthouses, your trip to Maine should
include a stop at the Miles Hospital rummage sale. Years ago, these were
enormous three day affairs under large tents. Merchandise was collected all
year, and dispersed in one weekend. This was quite a fundraiser; by the time
the ended a few years ago they were taking in over 100K - amazing, when you consider that you could
pretty much fill your car with purchases and not spend over $20.</div>
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They now have monthly sales at their collection center. I
usually find some household stuff, books, glasses to replace the ones that get
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This time I also found a painting. It is definitely an
amateur effort, made appealing by the label on the back with the name of the
artist, the date (May, 1938) and the person to whom it was given.</div>
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I couldn't quite figure out whether the scene was accurate.
Trees seemed to be growing out of the river - was this intentional, or a failed
attempt at depicting snow? I knew there was a hurricane in New England that
year, but that was in September, and this was clearly a winter scene. A quick
search turned up stories of major flooding in March of that year due to
extremely heavy rainfall in Maine. Aha, she was probably painting the effects
of the flooding rivers.</div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While not in the category of Grandma Moses, it is
still a fun souvenir of Maine history.</span><br />
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Label Text: Painted by Mamie Paine, May 25, 1938. Town name blacked out, but faded enough to make out "Plymouth Maine".<br />
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Given to Vera Tasker. Town name blacked out, but faded enough to make out "Dixmont Maine".<br />
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This seems logical, as these two towns are close to each othe<span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt;">r.</span><br />
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FortHillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16827034343648790194noreply@blogger.com0