Creating a Frame for a Master Artist

A master artist deserves a frame that matches the quality and beauty of his work. That is exactly the type of frame that we are developing.

Matt Slobogan (Gallery Owner), Anatoly Dverin (Artist), Anthony Bevilacqua (the frame conservator) and James Ouellette (Woodworker) are all collaborating to make one amazing frame.

In the first picture we have Anatoly holding two corner samples. The sample in his right hand, the gold frame, is the profile he has approved.

In the next picture we have Matt meeting with Anatoly discussing finishes for the chosen profile. There will be four finishes to choose from; Gold, Roman Gold, Silver and Antique White.

The man in the yellow hat is master frame conservator Anthony Bevilacqua. Anthony will be hand finishing the frames with metal leaf and his own finishing techniques that give the frame just the right amount of “age” or “patina” (as they say).

We are in the process of having knives made for cutting the frame profile. Actually, the frame is made up of two frames. There is an inner "panel" profile and an outer "cap".

Each profile will be milled from basswood, a preferred species of wood for traditional, handmade gilded frames. Next the two profiles are cut to size, joined, assembled and given to Anthony for finishing. Then they will be assembled with Anatoly's original oil paintings.

Lastly the framed oil painting will get a plaque with the artist name, title of painting and a printed artist bio for authenticity.

The photo of the white frame is the Anatoly frame with a coat of primer. After priming Anthony uses silver metal leaf or gold metal leaf and then builds upon it to create depth and character. You can see two finishes on Anatoly's painting "Sunset, Ukraine" below.

The brighter gold sample is what Anatoly prefers on this particular painting. The sample on the left is what we call "Roman Gold".

These artist approved, handmade frames will help improve the value of Anatoly's sought afterworks.