Blog Archives - Page 10 of 29 - Village Frame and Gallery

August 3, 2018November 20, 2018

Featured Artist Scott C. Johnson, First Friday and More!

Portland artist Scott C Johnson returns to Village Frame and Gallery this month with new work in acrylic and watercolor!

About Scott C. Johnson

Although his landscape studies are rooted in plein air painting early onScott C. Johnson began to add the little touches that rouse the imagination — the faint treetops to indicate a valley beyond the hill, or the tiny glint of water that tantalizes over a grassy dune. These glimpses of the barely distinguishable landscape beyond the one we see were an introduction to his dream world.

He developed the soft washes of the Japanese tradition as well as the refined linework of the Persian miniature. As he grew more confident with the brush he also became more involved in meditational techniques and the painting became more concerned with recording a process, a trance state, the finding of a happy accident with less regard for a specific reality.

He is a developed sensual being with an appreciation for music, dance and garden design. His love of nature refreshed by frequent trips and hikes is evident in his work yet its mood often portrayed by impending weather dominates the subjects in the landscape. There are subtle references to change in the clouds and stronger references to death and loneliness in the leafless trees of his latest work but the mood is never hopeless and lets us know the next season will bring tiny leaves of spring which is just beyond and approaching.

More by Scott C. Johnson:

Also in the Gallery

We are pleased to welcome Denise Sirchie and one of her latest mosaics, “Scarlet” back to the gallery for a limited engagement. You can view Scarlet in all her exquisite detail our display window. Read more about Denise Sirchie here.

First Friday – Open Late!

Meet Scott C. Johnson at our First Friday artist’s reception tonight beginning at 6 pm! As always, our artist’s receptions are free and open to the public, starting at 6 pm, First Friday, at Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Head’s up! We’re on summer hours. Come see us Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm, Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment.

July 2, 2018August 3, 2018

Meet Karen Story at First Friday July 6th Starting at 6 pm

Pastel landscape with an orb rising at the horizon

Portland encaustic artist Karen Story is back at Village Frame & Gallery with a new exhibition. Come meet her in person this Friday — we’re open late!

Artist’s Statement

Having been a painter, printmaker, and glass artist, the encaustic medium is a natural progressive step for my work. Encaustic painting combines the very process-oriented work of printmaking with the mysterious translucence and transparency of glass, while demanding a foundation of composition, line, and form.

Encaustic painting guides me to work on the canvas in a direct and flexible way. This allows for many surprises and unexpected changes in composition, form, and color. Layering and removal of the layers keeps this process-oriented painting method somewhat archaeological in nature, as there is much scraping back to reveal parts of the painting’s history. A non-attachment to the current phase of the painting develops, and allows a presence and freedom not experienced in other media.

Landscape/nature as a subject allows me to experiment with shape, value, hue, texture, and form creatively. The specific landscapes I am currently working with offer a deep personal connection, which hopefully evokes memory and fantasy in the viewer. The figure and portrait are a great challenge, especially in this medium.

Colorful landscape with orbs floating in the foreground — Mirage by Karen Story

Water is my life’s most common recurring theme. It has appeared in vivid dreams since childhood, and in reality, as an adult, water is the element which rules my life. I am an avid swimmer, live part-time on a river houseboat, snorkel regularly, and do underwater photography. It is a challenging element to capture artistically, since it is translucent/transparent, ever-changing, and distorts elements within it, and reflects those on the surface.

Encaustic painting of body of water, mountains rising up behind it and a stormy, rusty sky — Waterscape by Karen Story

Exhibit Opens July 1st, Artists Reception July 2nd

Join us at Village Frame & Gallery, starting at 6 PM, to meet Karen and see her latest work. We are located at 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Can’t make it Friday? Drop by the Gallery in July during regular business hours. We will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 3rd and 4th for the Independence Day holiday. Our Summer Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10am-6pm and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Have a safe and festive Fourth of July!

Koi swimming in a blue pond — Magic Fish by Karen Story

June 27, 2018August 3, 2018

Patricia L. Giraud – Last Week in the Gallery

If you haven’t had a chance to see this month’s featured artist exhibit, now is the time! It has been a pleasure to have intaglio prints by Patricia L. Giraud in the shop this month. Read more about Patricia here.

The exhibit comes down Saturday afternoon, June 30th, so don’t delay! And remember, our summer hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10am to 6pm, Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment. See you soon!

June 7, 2018August 3, 2018

O’Connor’s and Didier Lourenço

We are all sad to see O’Connor’s close – they have been a true staple in Multnomah Village. We’ll miss the tap room, music, staff, food and the ambiance. We wish Steve and the O’Connor’s team all the best and thank them for making the Village better for all those years.

For many years Bar & Cafe by Didier Lourenço hung in O’Connor’s restaurant, welcoming patrons with it’s bright colors and casual, friendly feel – so much like O’Connor’s itself. What you might not know is Didier Lourenço is a highly sought after international painter and printmaker.

Didier Lourenço

Didier Lourenço was born in 1968 in Premià de Mar, Barcelona. At the age of 19 he began working in the lithography atelier of his father, where he learned the trade of lithography. In 1988 Didier made a corner of the atelier his place for painting on canvas and paper. He shared his time between painting and printing lithographs for himself and professional artists. The atelier would prove to be his best classroom, a place where Didier would build his education in the world of painting. That year he presented his first individual show and also edited his first collection of lithographies.

In 1991 Lourenço won a prestigious prize for young artists making a breakthrough into many galleries throughout Spain showing in various solo and group exhibitions. In 1995, Didier Lourenço moved into his own studio, where he would devote himself to painting, but never stop making lithographs.

In 2000, a prestigious publisher and distributor of posters took his work worldwide. This global presence quickly sparked the interest of galleries, who would present his original work. Didier traveled around the world to his solo exhibits in New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Nashville, South Africa Las Vegas, Miami, Singapore, among others. His days are filled with trips and exhibitions. His individual and collective shows continue.

Own a piece of O’Connor’s history

Village Frame and Gallery is pleased to to offer Bar & Cafe for sale at 40% off the original price. The 30 x 30 inch lithograph is surrounded by a dark blue linen mat and protected by TruVue 99% UV protective Conservation Clear glass. This is your opportunity to own a piece of O’Connor’s history!

Call or stop by Village Frame and Gallery during our regular business hours for more information. We are open Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

May 30, 2018August 3, 2018

Patricia L. Giraud Exhibit Opening and Artist Reception June 1st

Black and white image, there is a white horse on the near side of a barbed wire fence, there are two darker horses on the other side of the fence. The horses are nuzzling each other in greeting.

Join us for First Friday, starting at 6 pm to meet local printmaker Patricia L. Giraud!

Patricia L Giraud Artist’s Statement

The seeds for my imagery were planted long ago. I have always been intrigued by the complexity and immediacy of the natural world. My childhood days were spent outdoors, quietly exploring shallow streams, scooping up tadpoles, and seizing the opportunity to be near any animal but especially horses.

Working with horses for decades allowed the opportunity to observe how they function and think and to celebrate their form, their nature. Inspired, I began recording, through photography, the essential relationship between horse and rider. The process-rich medium of printmaking brought a new dimension to my explorations of nature on paper. Intaglio offers a variety of techniques with which to express anatomy, forms shaped by light and shadow, large forces at work and intimate moments.

Initially, the horse was chosen as a totem around which the nuances of relationship, trust, vulnerability and stewardship were considered. More recently, I have expanded the scope of those themes to include figures in natural environments–drawing upon memories while interpreting the shapes, textures found in the landscape.

More from this Exhibit

Large bunch of black and white peonies against a yellow background — The Abundance of Peonies by Patricia L. Giraud

Two young girls in colorful dresses standing in front of an apple tree. They are holding hands. Their faces look serious, perhaps even angry. — Blue Apples by Patricia L. Giraud

As always, our artist’s receptions are free and open to the public, starting at 6 pm, First Friday, at Village Frame & Gallery, 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219.

Summer Hours at Village Frame & Gallery

Head’s up! Our summer hours start this week. Come see us Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm, Saturdays, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment.

There’s Still a Few Days Left to Save!

15% off new custom framing orders May 24, 2018 - June 2, 2018 at Village Frame & Gallery, Portland, Oregon — Must show printed coupon or this image on your device at time of sale.

May 28, 2018June 7, 2018

In memory …

Recognizing those who gave everything in defense of our freedom — on Memorial Day and every day.

May 24, 2018June 7, 2018

Memorial Day Savings: 15% Off New Custom Framing!

Headed out to the Memorial Day sales this weekend? Grab those items you’ve been meaning to get framed and make your first stop Village Frame & Gallery in Multnomah Village.

Save on Custom Framing Right Now, But Hurry!

We’re offering 15% off new custom framing orders today through June 2nd only.

New Summer Hours at Village Frame & Gallery

Starting June 2nd, we will be open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Of course we are always happy to make appointments outside regular business hours!

May 2, 2018June 7, 2018

Come Meet Tamara Hufford-Wong this First Friday in the Gallery

The colors of spring have finally sprung — just in time for a featured exhibit that is bursting with color itself — so come see us this Friday and meet Tamara Hufford-Wong.

Tamara Hufford-Wong Artist’s Statement

Picture of the artist smiling — Artist Tamara Hufford-Wong

Color has always been a huge part of my life; lifting me up when I feel down and filling me with joy. Growing up in a small Ohio farm town working at my folks five and dime store; the best way you could pay me – was with a new pack of Crayola crayons. I could ‘color’ and didn’t have to think – about anything.

That’s how I paint now days, with pure emotion. It’s always about the color and how it mixes with the other colors. I use acrylic paint because I like its thick creamy like texture, there’s no smell and I can clean my brushes with water. Sometimes I use brushes; many times, I paint with my fingers. That’s not dirt in my fingernails, it’s paint!

I call my style of painting “Naked”. It’s all about: pure emotion, freedom and breaking the rules. My mood decides how and what I paint. Will I lay color down slowly with care, or do I want to throw it down with such force that it cuts through all the other colors already on the canvas? I think I’ll go for sheer abandon!

Small town girl moves to the big city. Journey to get here involved lots of education (I loved being a professional student), retail, hospitality and the bright lights of Hollywood. God, family and an open mind is most important; communication is key. I was a professional speaker for years. Now, I communicate with my art. I hope you like it.

Feast your eyes on a few of Tamara’s paintings …

Painting of blooming flowers in a green yard — Out Back by Tamara Hufford-Wong

Abstract of colorful circles — Enlightenment by Tamara Hufford-Wong

Blooming flowers under a dark sky and a golden moon. — Moon Shine by Tamara Hufford-Wong

Artist’s Reception Friday, May 4th, starting at 6 pm

Village Frame & Gallery is located in the heart of Multnomah Village: 7808 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Our First Friday Artist’s Reception for Tamara Hufford-Wong is free and open to the public. Can’t make it Friday? You can see Tamara’s work throughout May during our regular business hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm.

April 17, 2018May 14, 2018

Turning Scraps into Art: What to do with Antique or Vintage Textile Fragments

Scraps of antique fabric framed artistically

Even wee bits of antique fabric can become a striking exhibit with proper framing.

What’s in your attic?

Lace from your grandmother’s wedding dress …

Sections of an antique sampler …

Bold scraps of hand-woven cloth brought from overseas decades ago …

Do you have textile fragments you love tucked away? Little remnants that are too precious to throw out and too fragile for their original use? Frame them!

Antique and vintage fabrics, needlework, and clothing are often truly works of art, as well as beloved keepsakes. Creative layout and conservation framing lets you showcase and preserve these pieces. Opt for glazing with museum glass and their texture will still be clearly visible and dust-free.

Old textiles not only make beautiful household decor, they become conversation starters — tiny bits of history that catch the eye and tantalize the imagination.

For Best Results, Hire an Experienced Textile Framer

Not every frame shop will or can handle textiles well. Fabrics and fibers require special handling to block, stabilize, and conserve each piece, which is dependent on the type of material. The more valuable the textile fragment, the more important it is to choose a framer with these specialty skills.

Village Frame & Gallery has been trusted by textile artists and conservators since 1999. If you have a fabric or fiber piece you want to liberate from your attic, bring it to our shop for a free consultation.

April 4, 2018May 2, 2018

Dusty Divas Featured at First Friday April 6th!

Pastel drawing of Great Blue Heron standing at the edge of a body of water surrounded by grass.

This month, we have four talented pastel artists exhibiting on our feature wall — the Dusty Divas!

The divas are Kristen Horn, Beth Keyser, Donna Sires, and Donna Stevens. Start getting to know them here and come meet them on First Friday. We will have an artists reception for the Dusty Divas April 6th starting at 6 pm. It’s sure to be a party with wine, food, and of course, the Dusty Divas themselves! Come on down!

Artist Statement: Kristen Horn, Pastel Artist

I am rather a late comer to this addictive thing of art creation but no less passionate for my late entry! I drew and painted a bit as a younger adult but took a forty year hiatus for raising my family and having a career as a real estate broker.

About four years ago I took a pastel class from an artist I admired. It was just enough encouragement to remind me of what I had been missing most of my life! I took another wonderful class two years ago that completely gave me the pastel bug as well as a passion for Plein Aire Painting ( painting in the out of doors ) The rest, as they say, is history. While I still work fulltime, I spend all of my free time trying to capture the light, color and forms of nature. Life is truly good.

So much to paint, so little time!

Artist Statement: Beth Keyser, Pastel Artist

Pastel drawing of old barn at the end of a curving road at sunset. — Warm Sunset by Beth Keyser

I grew up in Alaska surrounded by beauty. Now a transplanted Alaskan, I am always searching for the beauty of the Northwest.

I enjoy creating on many different levels but have chosen pastels as my discipline. In this discipline, I challenge myself to see differently. As an imitator of beauty, my desire is to see my surroundings in the vivid colors, shapes and in interesting relationships. I enjoy challenging myself to bath the images I am representing in color and texture. Seeing harmonious relationships of shape, shadow and color transpire is what thrills me and why I choose to create.

Artist Statement: Donna Sires, Pastel Artist

Pastel of Bell rock framed by trees. — Bell Rock by Donna Sires

After over 20 years of working as an art director and illustrator for food packaging, I started to explore pastels and focused on painting landscapes.

Color and light fascinate me, and I continually seek the exploration and challenge of interpreting what I see into my paintings. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature always brings me peace and calm, and I am compelled to communicate that in every piece of art I create.

Artist Statement: Donna Stevens, Pastel Artist

Mountain rising above a field of lavender — Lavender Valley View by Donna Stevens

I returned to drawing after a 25-year hiatus and enjoyed working in charcoal. After several months, I decided to enhance the drawings with color, so purchased three sticks of pastel. Well, three sticks became six sticks, then a handful of used sticks, then a brand new boxed set, and the rest is history.

Drawing and painting are grounding and revitalizing for me. I also love spending time in the remote and beautiful places we still have. So plein air painting, in particular, provides a perfect counterbalance to the demands of my profession. Making and viewing the pieces refreshes the memories of places or scenes that inspired the works.

Category: Blog