I've been Framed

This is kind of a hokey post but maybe other Artists will identify with it. I've always liked the excitement when I've finished a sketch or completed a final piece, to see what it will look like in a frame.

I often use a frame I have on hand to envision what the work-in-progress will look like when it's complete. So, when I found this resource online, I was thrilled. Pictureframes.com is where I get most of my frames and I recently discovered that they offer a service that allows you to upload your art, choose a frame/size, and see what the two look like the together. It's sorta of a try-before-you-buy service. You can even enlarge the final sample and save it as a .jpg for use in promotional materials, websites, blogs, etc. The samples shown above lets me or my client see what the paintings will eventually look like in some of their ready-made-frames. Give it a try. If you are having trouble, leave me a comment and I'll walk you through the steps.

The Boxer

The Boxer
2009, Oil on Canvas
18 x 14"

I spent Mother's day at Open Studio and three hours later came out with this portrait sketch in Oil. I don't remember the models name so I'm calling the painting "The Boxer" for now.

Then I called my Mom and wished her a happy Mothers Day.

Portrait Sketch Sold to Friend and New Fan.

This week, my Painting Maria with Red Bandanna was sold to Dr. and Mrs. Robert Thomson of Chestnut Hill, PA. Christine, an acquaintance of mine, saw the piece at my house and immediately wanted it for her art collection.

I thanked her for the sale and told her I’d frame, sign, and deliver the art to her home pronto. Christine greeted me at her door with wild-eyed anticipation and child-like enthusiasm. As I walked into her home, I was struck by the couple’s love of fine art and humbled that my piece would find a nice home in their awe-inspiring collection of paintings and sculptures.

Soon after I delivered it, Christine took a picture of the piece hanging on her wall and emailed it to me along with some other thoughts on my work.

“J.T. Harding’s work is compelling to me on many levels. His minimal brush work creates a clarity that brings depth to his subjects: portraiture, landscapes and still life that can easily be overlooked in the hands of less skilled artists.

Maria with Red Bandanna is an important addition to our art collection and captivated me for these reasons as well as J.T.’s ability to bring to his work a story with emotion, character and mystery that adds depth and meaning to a moment in time he captures on canvas."

It is so gratifying to see how appreciative people are of art and how it can make a house a home. It is particularly inspiring seeing the art you made adding enjoyment to someone's life for years to come. Thanks again to the Thomsons for making me want to create even more.