It is no secret that I love vintage frames. I use them for one of a kind mirrors and I use them to frame some of my artwork. Sometimes the found frame inspires the artwork that I create. The other day I popped in to my favorite antique and curiosity shop in Concord, Nesting, to poke around for some inspiration. Way in the back room was a box of frames that were calling to me. I picked out a couple of frames that had old bleached wood – no ornamentation just a clean and weathered patina. One of them in particular was whispering ideas to me from the moment I left the shop.
Sometimes inspiration comes easily and I know immediately what I want to paint and exactly how I plan to execute the painting. With the frame in view, I just went to work, taped up my paper and began to build up my background with the flowers soon to follow. I just love when I get a moment of clarity and can just plunge ahead into a project.
Here it is mostly done … I like to let it sit out a day or two before I sign it and call it a day. Usually, I’ll add or subtract something here or there but in this case a little tiny bit of shading was all that I wanted and then I made myself walk away so I wouldn’t mess with it anymore.
My favorite part of all is when it all comes together – in this case, the perfect frame with the perfect painting. Most days it is the other way around. I paint first and then imagine how I want to frame my artwork to show it off in the best possible way. But sometimes I run across a perfect accessory that really does make the outfit. Even though the frame is antique, the simplicity of it keeps it fresh and modern and the floral painting contained within is a nice juxtaposition.
I couldn’t resist putting it up on the mantel … I think I’m in love.
“Picked”: acrylics on cold press watercolor paper in vintage found frame (limited edition prints soon to be in shop)
More to come,
Ellen
Beautiful El!
Thanks my friend! xo
love it, El!
You get to see it in person this week – thanks Mo. xo
Anoyher beauty, Ellen!
Thank you Val. I appreciate it. xo
That would be “another”!!!!