Thursday, August 2, 2012

A New Painting


A few months ago I came across this very large (40" x 23 1/2") antique landscape oil painting in one of my favorite antique stores in Portland. I was looking for a table for the guest house, and of course, found a painting instead. 

I love antique paintings, especially landscapes, and thought that its antique frame (another passion of mine) was in fairly good condition considering its age. 

The painting was extremely dirty however. A heavy layer of black dust (or most likely soot) covered the canvas, so I knew it would require a good professional cleaning. 

Although I've considered having some of my other paintings cleaned, it is something I have yet to do. So I was actually quite excited to go through that process. I was extremely curious to see just how much of a transformation would result. 

Here is the painting after the cleaning. The process involved removing the many layers of dirt down to and including the old varnish...and then re-varnishing. This is a process best left for professionals, particularly if the piece is of value (sentimental or otherwise). 

The Cultured Pearl in downtown Portland cleaned this piece for me. Their gallery makes my heart flutter. Not only do they do painting and frame restorations, but they specialize in antique art from around the world and have a collection that will make you wish you had a special art 'fund' set aside (I need one of those). 

Steve was able to tell me that this landscape was most likely from New Hampshire. He explained that the deer are a regional detail typical to certain parts of the country, which often reflect where the artist is from (this piece of art work is not signed). When combined with the canoe and the scale of the mountain range, the scene was narrowed even more specifically to the New Hampshire region. 

Their wealth of knowledge at The Cultured Pearl is extensive. I could stand in their beautiful gallery all day listening to their every word. 

It's just so fascinating. 


22 comments:

  1. Great looking peice trina! ! Have a great day!

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  2. So beautiful! I actually was at an antique store 2 wks ago and made an offer on an oil painting very similar to that..it had mountains, deer, a canoe, and a tent! Which matches a mural I had painted on my son's bedroom wall. Sadly, they did not accept my offer and I went home emptyhanded....and have been kicking myself ever since for being so frugal! ~Kim

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  3. What a lovely addition to your home! Where will you hang it? And so interesting to read about the cleaning process. I'll bet that was fascinating to learn about. Thanks for sharing this new find.
    Claudia

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  4. Trina: As soon as I saw your painting, I thought of Lake Waukewan,in NH. My husband and I have a weekend place nearby, whenever I drive on a particular road, the view I see is so similar to your painting. Enjoy! Cindy

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  5. It's lovely, and it indeed looks like NH, which is only up the road from me.

    Mary

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  6. Definitely better than a table anyday! (see any rustic dining tables????)

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  7. I really like this painting! very soft and compelling

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  8. Great find, I love this! Was the cleaning particularly expensive?

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  9. I love it! Is it going over your bed? So beautiful. Happy for you.
    xoxo
    Lisa

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  10. Dear Claudia and Lisa,
    Not sure where...it's hanging in the den right now. When we set up the four poster again, it would be great over the bed.
    Trina

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  11. So lovely! Where do you plan to hang this painting? Kit

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  12. Architect Design,
    The cost of having my painting professionally cleaned was more expensive than I expected. I'm assuming that the price depends on the size and condition of the piece but I'll ask Steve next time I see him.
    Trina

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  13. It's gorgeous, Trina and will be the perfect piece in your home...isn't it the best when you find a special piece unexpectly?! Have a great weekend ~

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  14. Thank you for this interesting post! I've never had to get a painting cleaned, but good resource to know!

    Christina
    www.foodiewithalife.com

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  15. I'm so envious! What a lucky and gorgeous find!

    Best,
    Tim

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  16. Love the new "New Hampshire";) painting Trina!
    xoj.

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  17. It is beautiful and does look like NH!

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  18. For as much I love and collect art, it's funny that I have not been there. We should go sometime together! Must be the babies.... ;)

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  19. Have a painting waiting for exactly what you've done.

    Could you give a range of prices for what you had them do.

    Now, need to find someone here to do the work.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  20. Hi Tara! Having a painting professionally cleaned isn't cheap! This painting was very large and was about $200 or so. I'm sure prices vary by region though.
    Best,
    Trina

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine