One of my favorite local artists, Karen Eckelmeyer, creates art that lets you celebrate summer all year round. Every time I view the art of Karen Eckelmeyer, it takes me to a warm and sunny place at the shore. Karen, a Bucks County, Pa resident, is self taught and works in colored pencil. It is easy to mistake her detailed work as being a photograph. Her fine art giclee prints of shells, stones and plants are timeless and will fascinate for years to come. Give Sue a call for further information.
Susan Gittlen MCPF made it to Picture Framing Magazine!
While attending our annual trade show in Las Vegas last January, I ran into Brian Wolf, one of the educators in the framing industry. I asked him if he would look at some photos of my mat designs. He liked what I was designing and shared some great learning resources to help me increase my knowledge. He also asked if I would help him with an upcoming article that he was writing about his area of expertise, decorative matting techniques. Over the next few weeks we exchanged many emails to create an amazing article. It seems as if the article was abbreviated a bit, but I was delighted to see my name in print in our industry’s trade magazine.
Many of you know that I enjoy working with vintage postcards. Linen era cards from the 30’s and 40’s are my favorites. Thinking of a project? I’m happy to help. I can frame your cards, or select from my extensive inventory. If I don’t have what you need, I’ll find you the perfect ones from other vendors. Here are a few framed pieces that I have created that showcase vintage postcards.
Vintage Atlantic City Postcard Trio
Trio of Vintage New York City Postcards
Let us make a Postcard Montage of your Favorite Place!
These are just a few of the multiple opening projects that we framed in 2013 From left: WWII ephemera, framed photos, 1950’s family recipes, framed Hummel art, more framed recipes, WWII gas rationing coupons and ephemera.
I am thankful for a busy 2013 and am looking forward to what unusual framing projects will arrive in 2014.
This holiday is the perfect opportunity to take pictures of your family, your friends, and your neighborhood. Don’t let short days or cold weather discourage you. Today’s digital cameras handle low light well, so it’s a great time to record the holiday lights and candles that mark the winter season.The first rule for pictures of holiday lights is to turn off your camera’s flash, which can rob the scene of color. If you’re taking pictures of holiday decorations at a neighbor’s house or a colorful store display, your camera may select a slow shutter speed, so use a tripod or find a way to steady your camera on a solid object. Use ISO 400 or even ISO 800. Automatic white balance can also drain color from the scene. Read your instruction book and experiment with other color balance presets. Shoot, check your LCD panel, and make adjustments.
Whether your subject is holiday decorations and lights, or a portrait of a family member, the most common mistake is to shoot from too far away. Don’t zoom in on your subject, because that will affect shutter speed. Instead, move closer.
Gentle snow won’t hurt your camera, and if it’s cold outside just keep it in your pocket until you’re ready to take pictures. Enjoy the lights and Happy Holidays to all from Whispering Woods Gallery!
Have you ever wondered how frame moulding is made? One of our favorite moulding companies at Whispering Woods Gallery is Larson Juhl. Many of their frame mouldings are made right here in the United States in Ashland, Wisconsin. Here are some photos of how the new Homestead line is made from start to finish. Stop in to see the new Homestead line, made in the USA.
I recently discovered the book “The Unforgettable Photograph” by celebrity photographer George Lange with Scott Mowbray. This book gives “228 Ideas, Tips, and Secrets for Taking the Best Pictures of Your Life.” Easy to grasp and not too technical, you can pick up some great advice whether you use a smartphone, a point-and-shoot, or a high end camera. This is a great time of year to take photos of your friends, family and pets. Although I am not a professional when it comes to photography, I can certainly give you professional advice on how to frame your photos. Don’t leave your images on your media card or phone. Get them printed and enjoy them! I can’t wait to see your photos!
Often visitors to Whispering Woods Gallery ask me “Sue, what do you have hanging in your home?” That’s a great question! Most framed items in my home are there for a reason. Either the item was a gift, collected in my travels or came from a friend or relative. Most have sentimental meaning. Some of the things hanging are my own creations.
I like to do needlework. I have an entire wall of a staircase showcasing my work. Here is the latest. Since I’m busy it took me about two years to complete the stitching! It’s dear to me and the framing had to be perfect. When somebody brings me needlework to frame, I appreciate how dear it is to owner. Much love and thought went into the project. When you bring me your cherished items to frame, I treat them as if they were my own!
We recently recently framed this Philadelphia Freedom poster for Joe of Elkins Park. This is a limited edition serigraph poster by Aaron Draplin that would make all Philadelphia fans proud. Those who know Whispering Woods Gallery know that we can frame the most complicated of projects. However this piece did not warrant complicated framing. Sometimes simple is better.
For the matting we carefully matched the gold of the image and selected a one with a slight rippled texture. A simple square matching deep blue metal frame surrounds the piece. With so much fun with the Philadelphia logos, the matting and framing should not distract from the enjoyment of these fine Philadelphia symbols. With a UV protecting glass and archival matboard this will bring many years of enjoyment for Joe. Philly soft pretzel anyone?
This is the seventh major watercolor painting completed and reproduced in print by the artist, over a 23 year span. Boathouse Row is one of the most picturesque sites in the Philadelphia area. The 15 quaint and colorful boathouses on the Schuylkill river often seem like a picture postcard when driving by. However, on race days, the houses come alive with activity, the river is filled with rowers, and the shores are lined with spectators. In the evening, the calm returns, and the lights that outline the houses cast a luminous reflection on the river.
The image size of Boat House Row 7 is 13 1/4 x 28″. The edition size is 1750 and each print is priced at $150. We are currently taking orders and offer it framed or unframed. Order early for holiday delivery.
Whispering Woods Gallery 