Chameleon gets Framed

Woodworks by John

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Jul 4, 2000
Posts
328
Location
North Las Vegas, NV
Business
Retired, work from home shop
Here's the latest carved frame that I've been working on. Just a side note is that there have been a few other clients besides my wife that have had me do some frames for them, glad that's happening here for me. Very hard to compete with mass-produced and imported frames although I try to keep my pricing as low as possible.
Anyway, this painting is by Diane Eugster and will be headed to the Myer-Vogl Gallery in Charleston soon. The size is 18" x 24", oil on panel. The carve is not my "original" design but rather one inspired by visits to various galleries. The molding is about 4" wide and the profile made for me locally at Barger Molding in Phoenix. The finish is Japan Black (almost a wash) over traditional red sealer. Tried to capture the patina of the clay showing through the black but hard to photograph. Also showing the corner sample and carve in progress.
Lots of straight line carving on this one which was a good challenge. To me the design bridges an Asian motif with an Art Deco inspiration. Always look forward to your comments and opinions -- working in a one man shop can get lonely!

Chameleon full - 1.jpg






ArtDeco 2 - 1.jpg ArtDeco Corner - 1.jpg Chameleon Detail 1 - 1.jpg Chameleon Detail 2 - 1.jpg
 
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So the process is preliminary shape, join, then carve?

Nice work. The second photo shows it well.
 
So the process is preliminary shape, join, then carve?
You're right Ted, the molding is already profiled so after mitering to size I use a biscuit joiner then glue and clamp overnight. After figuring out all of the measurements on the corner sample those were transferred to the frame and the work began! Since this motif was all straight lines I didn't need to make any templates like I usually do with curves, check out this blog for that process if you're interested: https://woodworksbyjohn.com/2017/12/12/design-carving-procedure-for-custom-frame/
 
Retired woodshop teacher. There's still shop classes? Really? What kind of school?
 
Retired woodshop teacher. There's still shop classes? Really? What kind of school?
A couple of years ago! Las Vegas, Nevada taught at middle schools from 1977-1992 when my principal couldn't hold out any longer as the so called technology phase was going on. Ended my last 11 years teaching at a boy's 7-12 grade prison where I taught house framing (scaled versions), irrigation systems, and some fairly simple home maintenance work. Retired in 2008, now working my shop full time.
 
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