Christmas Gift Ideas

The Christmas season is upon us and it's not too late to consider framing for the holidays. The Painters Place has a beautiful selection of table top frames and Eco-Frames for all of your family photos. We also offer a variety of table top easels for displaying small pieces of art or photos. 

Why not consider a piece of original art for that special someone or a nicely framed antique or contemporary print. We offer beautiful contemporary landscapes by noted Bay Area artists as well as giclee prints. Reframing a beloved piece of art also makes a wonderful gift or you can purchase a gift certificate redeemable at any one of our 3 stores. 

Our experienced design staff will help you select picture frames that will enhance your art, fit with your decor and work within your budget. From table top ready made frames to hand carved, water gilt frames, we have something for everyone. 

What ever your framing needs are consider The Painters Place, for a beautiful presentation of your art and photos. 

 

Northern California looks exceptionally fine through the eyes of Marin artist Zenaida Mott. Capturing the elusive light of dusk and the subtle colors of approaching winter, Zee Zee (as she is known to friends) transports the viewer to sights both familiar and rarely seen by most people. Always seeking the best composition, she tries to bring the audience into her world of natural beauty.

Her appreciation for the natural world was inherited from her family. Her grandfather was a friend of John Muir's. The luxuries of SUVs and RVs were not the usual means  of travel. Back packing, hiking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities were how her family spent quality time together. When she struck out on her own, these things remained a big part of her life. Painting and traveling have become an integral part of that life. Just about a year ago, she went on a mule pack trip into the Sierras do paintings to raise awareness for Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. A tireless advocate for land conservation and stewardship, Zee Zee works to sell paintings to help raise funds for preserving open spaces and habitat restoration. Very active, she belongs to several prestigious art organizations.  She is a signature member of The National Academy of Professional Plein Air Painters and The American Impressionist Society and she is an Artist member of The California Art Club, The Oil Painters of America, The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, The Baywood Artists and The Worldwide nature Artist Group.

The Painters Place is very pleased to be hosting an exhibit of Zee Zee's fine art. Here show runs from November 1st through December 1st. There will be reception for the artist on Thursday, november 6th from 6pm until 8 pm at our gallery located at 1139 Magnolia Avenue, in Larkspur, CA. For more information please call 415.461.0351.  

FALL SALE! NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 10TH Place a new order (including mirrors and all custom work) and receive 20% discount in any of our three showrooms. It's the perfect time to get holiday ready. 

San Francisco 371 Hayes Street 415.431.0927

Larkspur 1139 Magnolia Avenue 415.461.0351

Berkeley 1825 Eastshore Highway 510.843.3300

At The Painters Place we are not only interested and engaged in creating new picture frames, but we are also very attracted to antique frames. The history of picture framing and antique frames is a very interesting and extensive subject that piques our curiosity. In our ramblings we occasionally encounter a picture frame of real distinction.

Recently the opportunity arose to restore, and offer for sale, a beautiful, 4 3/4' wide, 40 1/2" x 35 5/8" (outside dimension), hand carved, 23k water gilt, Queen Anne style frame from the early 18th century. It was in relatively good condition, other than the fact that it had been resized (made smaller) some time ago and this resizing was not seamless. The frame had been cut in the middle of each rail so that the corner decorations could be saved.  Because of our expertise in frame restoration and water gilding methods, we were able to restore this frame, while keeping it's integrity in tact. Our in house gilder was able to match the original gilding, while maintaining it's antique characteristics. We only did what was absolutely necessary in order to obtain this objective, making sure that we did not alter the overall look of the finish or frame. 

Currently our gilder is creating a hand gilded mirror to put into this frame. In this process he actually gilds a piece of Restoration glass with precious metal (Palladium) leaf, to recreate an antique looking mirror. The end product is very beautiful with an old world charm to it, making it truly a unique piece.

When a customer brings in a piece of art in it's original frame,  we are very careful to determine if that frame can and should be reused. If the art is a valuable piece, having the original frame can affect it's value. The condition of the original frame is assessed and if the frame can be restored, we will do the necessary repairs.

Restoration of frames is just one of the many services offered at The Painters Place. 

COMING SOON; Northern California Landscapes by Zenaida Mott, November 1st through December 1st. Reception Thursday, November 6th from 6pm until 8pm at our Larkspur location of 1139 Magnolia Ave. Larkspur. for more information call 415.461.0351.

Christin Coy Landscapes

The Painters Place is really proud to host an exhibit of landscape art featuring Marin county artist Christin Coy. The exhibit runs from September 1st through September 30th. 

Rarely are there artists who can so completely transport the viewer to a moment in time as Marin county artist Christin Coy. Christin's use of color and knowledge of light, technique, composition and medium are testaments to her passion and ability to do such. One can almost smell the ocean air of Bolinas Lagoon or the fragrance of dried grasses on the Marin hillsides at dusk, when viewing two of her favorite sites for subject matter. A consummate artist, Christin embraces the natural world as if it were her own child, with unconditional love. It's this love that motivates her to create the work she does and for the causes that she does them for. With her work, she hopes to raise awareness for the protection and conservation of land and water. A charter member of The Baywood Artists, she participates in all of their exhibits and fundraisers, including benefits for organizations such as; MALT, Angel Island Association, Napa Valley Land Trust, Marin Open Space, Truckee Donner Land Trust and The Bucklew Foundation's MarinScapes exhibit at the Escalle Winery, which benefits mentally disabled adults. 

The gallery is located at 1139 Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am until 5:30pm. Contact gallery director Krystal Allen at 414.461.0351 or krystal@thepaintersplace.com.