Take The Mirror Out Of Your Art

Do you own a piece of art that you just can't enjoy because of reflections on the glazing? There is a solution to this problem. Try switching the glazing to Museum Glass or Acrylic. 

Today's technology has brought glazing for fine art in to the 21st century. Available in glass and acrylic, Museum glazing is by far the best choice for works on paper and photographs. Using a process called Magnetron Sputtering, regular picture glass can be turned into state of the art glazing. By bombarding the glass with 5 different metals in a magnetron, the glare/reflection can be almost totally eliminated. A very diminished reflection remains, but looking head on it is virtually undetectable. As a result of this greatly diminished reflection, you get more clarity in the glass and can see the art better. This translates to 96% light transmission. Don't confuse this light transmission with the damaging UV light rays. Museum glass and acrylic block out 99% of UV rays and it's effectiveness does not diminish over time.

An added bonus for Museum Acrylic is that it has none of the static electricity problems common to regular acrylic and plexi glass, making it suitable to use with dry media like pastels and charcoal. The metals used in making it, ground the static charge caused by unmasking and rubbing to clean. This can make framing of very large pastel much lighter in weight and easier to handle.

Most suited to dark pieces, Museum glazing products can " take the mirror out of your art", allowing you to actually see the art and not the reflection caused by the glazing. Be sure to look for future specials on Museum Glazing products

Happy New Year!

With the start of the new year we have much to look forward to. We have moved our production facility from Berkeley to Richmond. This space is better suited to our production needs and we are looking forward to the possibilities that lay ahead of us at our new location. We will reopen an East Bay showroom and design center once we get our production up and running smoothly and are better able to determine how to create this space. Look forward to news about that in future blogs.

One of our goals for this coming year, is to create new styles and designs for picture frames. Our library is constantly growing, and we are working in new directions, expanding our repertoire of gilding, carving and wood finishes. We want to be able to offer our clientele the best that we can be. We do this be experimenting with new finishes, new carving styles, new materials and fresh designs. Our only limit is our imagination.

Some of our newest styles have included hand carving. Our carvers are amazing. They have the ability to manifest our ideas into the very thing we envisioned. Typical woods used are walnut, poplar, bass, and mahogany. These can then have a gilded, painted or wood finish added to complete the design.

We have been experimenting with different kinds of precious metal leaf in our gilding department. Recently we introduced our Oxidized Silver finish. This finish has the ability to instantly transform a frame into an antique. It's subtle luster defies it's actual color, which is that of tarnished silver with slight iridescent undertones. 

Ideal for black and white photography, graphite, charcoal, monochromatic prints and cool hued images. It creates a rich looking frame that enhances the art without stealing the show.

Another finish that we are proud of, is our wrapped metal finish. This can be done with copper, brass, or nickel. To these we add a patina that will totally transform the finish, creating depth and character. The metal is wrapped around a wood frame and can be pounded to create a hammered look. Very few custom framers have the knowledge and ability to create these fine finishes, they are very unique. 

The Painters Place has been using veneers for many years. This enables us to use exotic and rare woods, that are too costly or unavailable in board form. The sheer beauty of the wood is capitalized upon, creating an old world feel or a masculine look. We utilize many different types of burl ranging from elm, walnut and birdseye maple, to lacewood, rosewood and purple heart amongst others.

Whatever your framing needs or ideas are, we at The Painters Place are willing to give it our best shot. Whether we work from an existing style, photos or just verbal descriptions, making that unique piece just for you is our passion.

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