Kolene Spicher

A blog about my thoughts and my love of artwork as it develops. It reflects some of the basic steps that I go through to achieve the artwork which is eventually presented to Spicher and Co, an innovative design firm that manufactures artwork for the trade. The why, what, how, and where are a few of the questions that I attempt to answer as I blog away! This is a tiny window into the life of a painter, and my hope is that my love for life shines through in the objects that I work to create.

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

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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.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Kolene Spicher Custom portrait of a young girl Mermaid

My Lil Daffodil

A mermaid from Cape Cod.

Silver Leafed Italian hand made frame

This little angel is my latest custom portrait. The painting is designed to sit on a shelf or a coffee table. I call these my #littletreasures.

I am unsure of her age. I was told it, but I can't recall. I think she is around 4. This is a portrait of a combination between these two photographs.

When painting these smaller pieces, it is hard to maintain the folkiness of the mermaid without going too realistic. I want this to be fun. Everyone loves mermaids and Nantucket so that is why she is carrying a daffodil. There is something about that particular flower. I call it a flower in a flower... I happen to know that this little girl is loved and treasured. That is what she is, A flower in a flower.

I paint the original on a big sheet of paper and then use the paper as a palette so that I can be sure that the colors are just right!

The frames I custom order. They are hand made and have a wonderful hand applied printed paper on the backs. This will make a fine piece to add to this wonderful Grandma's collection of Folk ART. Let's keep this wonderful unique style alive.

Enjoy.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Sea Captain Sailor New England looking gentleman surrounded in seashells

A very fine Captain!

This guy looks so cool in his blue spectacles. I have always loved the idea of placing my paintings in a seashell frame. The problem for me was that I never was able to find a frame! Problem solved!

I first played out the shells on top of the painting. Just for your own information, I found these shells in the Ocean Cit, NJ area while walking along the beach! It's amazing that I didn't lose them, lol.

After gluing them to the paper, I was ready for the perfect frame. I found this wonderful lemon gold frame a few years ago and have been holding out for the perfect piece. This is mostly because I paid a small fortune for the frame.

Smile. I might just keep it.

I also antiqued the black paper which doesn't translate here but will translate on the original. I have to modify the frame to receive the shells. This will be a chore because it will need to blend well against the antique frame. No worries, I am up for the task.

Thanks for looking today! I don't know when this will be listed for sale. I might hold on to it for a while just in case I try to do a show in the fall!

Enjoy.

KOLENE SPICHER

Monday, April 17, 2017

Kolene Spicher Mermaids Sharing an Umbrella

April Showers bring out the Mermaids!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/525195437/kolene-spicher-original-painting-one-of?ref=shop_home_active_1

I have always loved Nantucket. Daffodils burst into bloom each spring on Nantucket. Thousands of bulbs have been planted over the years and are scattered along the countryside and sidewalks. Their bright yellow glow brings warm cheer to the coolness of the New England spring. This weekend above all seems to always catch my attention. Each year this special event takes place in the month of April. This year it is April 28-30, 2017.

My umbrella mermaid painting is lovingly painted in memory of all my visits to this wonderful island.

This special frame is an antique and was made in 1908. I think that it may be french. No matter what it is, I love it, and these #littletreasures are getting harder to find!

The frame is small but the impact is big with this gem. Please see the photo below which pictures the painting next to some of my keys. You get a good idea of the scale from this.

In the above picture, the mermaids are drawn in but there were some modifications made on the right mermaid, especially her torso area. I have kept the picture so that you can see the scale of the painting--small.