Below are links to short articles in the series “A Brief History of Painting Frames” by John O’Keefe Jr. Each article includes reference images and diagrams to help you identify frame design features unique to each historical period. New links will be activated as additional articles and relevant materials are added. Please enjoy.
A new browser tab will open for each article.
(Articles are hosted on the website www.paintingframesplus.com.)
I was the featured artist in my Solo Exhibition by Mill House Gallery in Chester, Connecticut. Jane White contacted me with the invitation, which I accepted immediately. One thing I appreciate about solo exhibitions is they are a lot of work. I had to package and transport many paintings, hang and set up the entire show, create invitations, mail them out, and set the reception table. Also, several trips to the gallery were required: drop-off, opening reception, and pick-up. Despite all that was involved, the experience and enjoyment I received were worth it.
The opening reception was on a Saturday, and a steady stream of art patrons came to see the exhibit. Unfortunately, I was not the best host because I had a hurt foot and spent most of the time sitting on a chair in the corner. I had the opportunity to speak with most people who came to see the exhibition. There were many inquiries about the artworks and the techniques that I used, and I was surprised by the number of people interested in the stories behind each work. My solo exhibition at the Mill House Gallery was a great experience.
It’s time again for the 2010 Art Show & Sale at Cheshire Nursery by Cheshire Art League. I scheduled my time better this time, and I will attend the opening reception.
The artwork dropoff was scheduled for the day before the show was open to the public. Here are some pictures of my setup. I included seven Giclee reproductions, nicely displayed, and sold two.
The Cheshire Art League opening reception was held with another Cheshire Nursery art show opening reception sponsored by the local garden club members. That shows featured floral arrangements. Both receptions were well attended.
Art show receptions are always fun. They are a time to meet with longtime friends and make new ones. On this night, I met a very successful Connecticut artist, Tony Falcone. Tony, his wife Judith Andrews, and I talked for a while, and I look forward to meeting them again at future Cheshire Art League events. I also had the chance to hang out and chat with some other artist friends, Carla Koch, John Mackay, and Martin Gent, all fellow Cheshire Art League members.
Connecticut artist and muralist.
Learn more about Tony Falcone at:
www.falconeartstudio.com
Carla is the daughter of the famous American artist Charlotte Joan Sternberg.
Learn more about Carla (Sternberg) Koch and Charlotte Joan Sternberg at:
www.carlasternbergkoch.com
www.charlottejoansternberg.com
Another great local set of shows. The 2010 Art Show & Sale at Cheshire Nursery by Cheshire Art League was a success. I got to meet Tony Falcone and his wife, and we shared a story about the time we crashed into each other in our cars but didn’t know each other at the time. It was during the ordinary course of conversation that we made the connection about that accident. We all laughed about it. Overall I had a good time.
I was approached by the Cheshire Art League late in 2009 and asked if I would give a presentation on my painting process and techniques. I accepted the invitation and began working right away. The final PowerPoint presentation contained over 140 detailed and automated slides documenting the significant elements of my painting process from conception to the end sale. The final product is a Landscape Oil Painting Presentation by John O’Keefe Jr.
Preparing for the presentation was very enlightening to me. The time I spent reviewing and meditating on my methods and techniques helped me to grow in appreciation for how I work. The presentation also helped me progress toward another goal: recording and producing my series of landscape oil painting “how to” videos and DVDs.
Once I had the draft presentation put together, I invited some respected friends (and fellow art enthusiasts) over for dinner, and I used them as my test audience. They enjoyed the presentation, saying it was very professionally done, and I incorporated some of their suggestions into the final document.
The slide show presentation took about 1-1/2 hours to give, which included an open discussion, questions, and answers. Also, I brought several completed and in-progress paintings. This allowed patrons to examine examples of my work firsthand. After concluding the slide show presentation, I discussed and answered many more questions about my artwork and techniques.
After the presentation, I received many compliments. Below are some comments from C.A.L. members, as recorded by my daughter, Danielle, who passed around a guest book.
“Excellent essay on composition. People know so little about it.” ~ Joan
“Marvelous and clear presentation.” ~ Angela Orsene
“Beautifully narrated and wonderful paintings.” ~ Lucy
“Excellent presentation and beautiful pictures. You have a very organized thought process which is helpful to the viewer.” ~ Ann
This was another excellent learning experience for me. Over the last few years, I have attended many guest artist presentations, and now I have done one of my own. I hope you enjoyed reading about the Landscape Oil Painting Presentation by John O’Keefe Jr.
Also, click to view the entire presentation slide series in PDF format.
It was time again for the 2010 Annual Visual Arts Exhibition by Cheshire Art League. I was busy taking photographs for the Cheshire Art League website assignment I was given. But, more interesting was Jennifer O’Keefe submitted a photograph to the exhibition and won an award!
As is always the case with Chesire Art League exhibits, there was a nice crowd of friendly faces, many good conversations and laughter, food and drink, and a really good time. It is very generous that the Cheshire Public Library hosted the 2010 Annual Visual Arts Exhibition by Cheshire Art League.
Beth Ellis is a dedicated en plein air artist and instructor who paints and teaches outdoors year-round along the Maine coast and in Connecticut, alongside rolling farmlands and Connecticut River sites. After graduating from Paier College of Art in Connecticut, Beth worked as a designer and illustrator. Today, Beth has a thriving gallery at Perkins Cove in Maine, where she exhibits paintings of rural and coastal New England. She has received many awards for her paintings, which she exhibits in various select and prestigious outdoor-juried shows, such as the Bruce Museum Show in Greenwich, CT, and the Armonk Outdoor Art Show in Armonk, NY. Her works in oil can be found in private and public collections from coast to coast and various Northeast galleries. 1, 2
Footnotes: