ANTIQUARIAN FRENCH MATS

This is very exciting..... new solid core ANTIQUARIAN MUSEUM BOARDS allow me paint my wonderful french mats giving a whole new look to my work - rich deep colors - I am so happy with the results, hope all my Print Dealer Clients will love them as much as I do!

Postcards.........

Yippee, our new postcards have arrived I am going to be busy addressing them ~ better have a nice glass of Chardonnay handy ;-)

THE FINAL HANDPAINTED AND GOLD LEAF FRAME

Photos 1 & 2 show the frame with the burnished gold leaf and handpainted ivory panel, photos 3 & 4 show the finished frame after it has been *antiqued* to give it a softer look and the gold remains bright but with a little softer look - as with gold it will over time have a nice patina.

THE STAGES OF A HANDPAINTED GOLD LEAF FRAME

The first stage is creating the frame from a raw wood moulding, second sanding and applying 5 coats of gesso followed by the application of several coats of red clay where the gold will be applied on the frame.

GESSO MAT!

GESSO MAT!

This is a lovely example of a custom GESSO MAT.   The client wanted this early Native American photograph to be framed in a period Rosewood Frame - the matting had to be
special to add authenticity and age to a rare photograph. 

Harry created one of his fabulos handcrafted gesso mats in a antique parchment color to mimic the look of the mud adobe walls. 

FRAMED PRINTS, GICLEE'S FOR THE COLLECTIVE

Amazingly beautiful 1920-1930's Artwork ~ Handwritten French Menu Giclees  ~ Floated on silk and framed for only $75.00 each........ would look great in a grouping for a kitchen, hallway or dining room.

~ MY MATTING DESIGNS & MARBLEISED MATS FOR LYONS PRINTS ~

These wonderful mats are my designs and work for Lyons Prints in Palo Alto - they still look terrific.

FRENCH MATTING

FRENCH MATTING

Harry has been specializing in traditional FRENCH MATTING for over 30 years.  French Matting is an artform, a series of handpainted watercolor lines with a watercolor wash on acid free board.  Harry makes his own paper in real 22 Karat Gold leaf or silver & gold Dutch Metal Leaf with an antique finish to accent the watercolor.

Harry creates a deep richness of color with layers of watercolors although some mats he uses gouache or pastel depending on the period of the paper art he is working with.

French Matting was introduced by artists or framers in the 18th Century adding color to their engravings, prints - in those days they did not have the array of colored acid free mat board to choose from.  The different colored layers on a single board give the impression of several boards thus FRENCH MATTING.

In addition to french matting, Harry uses a great deal of handpainted bevels, gold leaf bevels or dutch metal leaf bevels with either silk or linen top mats to accent EARLY & FINE PRINTING, Geographical & Natural History Prints, Illuminated Manuscripts.

GESSO MAT AND FINISHED FRAME

Finished colored gesso mat with a lovely handpainted bevel accented by a bamboo frame - very *islands* - Brian will be SOOOOOOOO HAPPY when he gets this tomorrow.

Gesso Mat Part 2

GESSO MATS

GESSO MAT BEFORE COLOR FINISH

AMAZING CANDLESTICKS

PAIR 19TH CENTURY SPANISH

This is one of a pair ... 19th Century Spanish Candlesticks!

The old finish had flaked-off, I had to re-create the original "old" finish...... antique painted finish with a combination of white gold and dutch white gold........

A WONDERFUL PROJECT!

GRAPEVINE FRAME

THIS IS AN AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL MIRROR FRAME, 22 KARAT GOLD LEAF WITH CUSTOM PAINTED ANTIQUE FINISH ACCENTED WITH GRAPES/VINES ON THE SIDE ALL IN GOLD LEAF........  

CLIENT WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH FINISHED PRODUCT AND COULDN'T WAIT TO HANG IT ON HER WINE CELLAR WALL.

Another fun project aided by my trusted assistant!!!

Enjoying restoration..................

Can't believe I still enjoy restoration of paintings and frames after all these years, boy have I worked on some amazing stuff..........

GEORGE WASHINGTON RARE PRINT FRAMED GICLEE

I really love this 18th Century Rare Print of one of the Founding Fathers of United States of America.  I have had it made into a giclee and framed it with my traditional FRENCH MATTING and 22 karat Gold Leaf Frame, it looks tremendous........ perfect for a Gentleman's Study or Office