Friday, May 26, 2017

Building a Shadow-Box frame for Seashell Captain

Shadow-Box Frame for Seashell Captain 

Getting ready for the http://wiltonhistorical.org/events/american-artisan-show/ Show!  But before I do that, I miss finish this lovely... 


Here you can sort of see the shadow box effect in the photograph above.  It is about 1 1/4" deep to accommodate the shells comfortably.  

I made a duplicate frame and attached it.  The top frame is the original 1820 lemon gold frame.  The sides are not finished because some Joe tore it apart and this was originally a liner inside of another larger frame.  
While my solid black frame is not a perfect match for the top, it is very close and your eye is really fooled into thinking
that you are looking at a "double" old antique frame in all its glorious imperfections.  
As you can see, these old frames are not perfect.  Even in its imperfection, it was considerably expensive.  Add on all the modifications, and it gets laborious, too. 
I do love these shells!  
There is a self lining extender that also has to be custom fitted and then careful slipped inside the "double."  
When finished, this is what you see.  It turned out quite lovely, if I do say so myself.  This will be the last painting I sell for a while as I am going to paint for a show in the fall up in New England.  It is the Wilton Historical Society's original show now being held at the Society.  This building is amazing and chock full of antiques and wonderful reproductions.  It will be held the weekend of Nov. 4, 2017.  Here is the link: 

http://wiltonhistorical.org/events/american-artisan-show/

Thanks for looking
Like me on Facebook! 
KoleneSpicher@Spicher.Company






Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Mermaid seashell creation

Taking My Rainy Day Mermaids to the next level


The other day I was looking at this mermaid painting.  I have been 
experimenting with seashells and how to incorporate 
them into artwork.  I decided that I would practice on this 
painting.  It had been for sale on my ETSY store KOLENESPICHER but I deleted
the listing so that I could have some more fun with it.  


A few weeks ago I finished this project.  I really liked it and decided to "UP" my shell count a little with the mermaids.  This was mostly because I ran out of shells that were dark and perfect like the shells above. 


The frame will need worked on for certain.  I will have another frame made that will go directly behind this one and will create a shadow box effect.  It will turn out neat once I get some paint and putty out!  I will also add a nice piece of wavy glass to this.  


My next project.  
I have not fully decided what I will do with this painting.  I am loving the water and am pleased with the overall effect of the colors and layering of paint.  I will be doing something similar with this painting and adding shells.  I am going to do something a little unexpected! 

In this shot you can see that the shells have been laid out, but they have not been cemented to the paper as of yet.  I love the purple-lee looking shells!  

Thanks for looking today.