Art HERstory: The Mystery of Mona

Mona Lisa (1503-1519) by Leonardo DaVinci.
Oil on Poplar (30 x 21 inches) Musee de Louvre, Paris. 

The Telegraph UK reports that Italian archaeologists are searching for the remains of Lisa Gherardini--the presumed 16th Century model for Da Vinci's now iconic painting Mona Lisa. Digging will take place beneath the former Convent of St Ursula in central Florence, where Gherardini is believed to have died in her sixties in 1542.



L.H.O.O.Q., a cheap postcard-sized reproduction of the Mona Lisa,upon which Marcel Duchamp drew a mustache and a goatee. The "readymade" done in 1919, is one of the most well known act of degrading a famous work of art.

 
The team will use ground-penetration radar to search for forgotten tombs inside the building. If they discover human remains, they will sift through the bones to identify any that are compatible with a woman of Gherardini's age. They then plan to conduct carbon dating and extract DNA, which will be compared to that extracted from the bones of Gherardini's children, some of whom are buried in a basilica in Florence.




Born June 15, 1479, the eldest of seven children, Lisa  married at 15 to a cloth and silk merchant who later became a local official. She was mother to six children and led what is thought to have been a comfortable and ordinary middle-class life.
Artwork by Jessica Rodrigue courtesy of Green City Fine Art.


The archaeologists' ultimate aim is to find enough skull fragments to be able to reconstruct her face, enabling a direct comparison to be made with the Mona Lisa. It could solve a mystery which has intrigued art historians for centuries – the identity of the subject of the world's best known painting, which hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Don't Deprive Yourself of Color!

Spring has sprung and color abounds! We love the bright colors of Larson-Juhl's TAFFY COLLECTION.

These 100% fat free frames are available in the following delicious colors: Blueberry, Grape, Snowcone, Mint, Green Apple, Cherry, Raspberry, Melon, Dreamsicle and Lemon. The 7/8" profile is just the right portion size!

Treat yourself today!

We know the way to St. Tropez

We are happy to introduce St. Tropez collection from Max Moulding – A Fresh Palette of the Mediterranean. Inspired by the charming coastal town nestled on the Mediterranean coast in the French Rivera, St. Tropez is known as a paradise for the senses with its soothing sunlight, brilliant blue water and sweet breeze, its colorful life style makes St. Tropez the inspiration for artists.



St. Tropez Collection: Sky Blue, Sea Green, Sunshine Yellow


Every May the Festival of bravade (Fête de la Bravade) is held in St. Tropez. Originally it was a procession in honor of a town's patron saint, now it is a colorful Provencal festival. A bust of the patron saint is carried in a procession through the town with a guard of honor, with gun salvos, Provencal singing and dancing.

St. Tropez Collection- SKY BLUE 2 3/4" slant profile

St Tropez collection features six soft colors with delicate edge distressing. Available in two profiles: the large slant profile comes in 2 ¾” wide and small flat profile comes in ¾”wide. Each profile is available in six colors: Sunshine Yellow, Sky Blue, Sea Green, Ivory, Espresso, and Mahogany.



St. Tropez Collection- Sea Green 3/4" flat profile



Come on in for a visit and see The St. Tropez Collection.

The Color Purple? Absolutely!!!

In ancient times, purple was one of the most complex dyes to extract and hence became the most expensive. It was a symbol of emperors and nobility, and today still signifies royalty. Purple dyes were created from the secretions of marine gastropod mollusks (mostly Murex and Purpura) with thousands of specimens needed to produce just a few drops of color.


Green City Fine Art- GEOMETRY by Joe Kennedy


The first recorded use of the word 'purple' in English was in the year A.D. 975.

"I never saw a purple cow; I never hope to see one; But I can tell you, anyhow, I'd rather see than be one."
(Frank Gelett Burgess 1866-1951 artist, art critic, poet, humourist)

Purple is the color that lies at the end of the spectrum, has a great significance in Feng Shui. The color is excellent for physical and mental healing and Feng Shui associates it with spiritual awareness.

So, consider a frame in a brlliant violet, silver mauve or deep purple hue. We carry a wonderful selection of mouldings that will add just the right pop of color to your home or office.

Shepard Fairey, Retna, El Mac and more at Robert Berman Galleries

Shepard Fairey REVOLUTIONS at Robert Berman Gallery (C2)

Don't miss the "Revolutions" exhibition featuring the album cover art of Shepard Fairey at Robert Berman Gallery in Bergamot Station. We had a blast framing out Shepard's album art for the show and the gallery installation is awesome. The show runs March 12-April 23, 2011 in the gallery's C2 space.

THE STREET N' LOW SHOW at Robert Berman Gallery (D5)

While your at Bergamot Station, check out Robert Berman Gallery's parallel exhibition:  "The Street N' Low Show" featuring art by our friends Retna, El Mac and many others. This show runs in conjunction with Fairey's "Revolutions" show and is located in the gallery's D5 space.

See The Robert Berman Gallery website for all the details.

Jennifer Miller Exhibition at Gus Harper Studios

Jennifer Miller: Taking Flight

We are framing up some really beautiful works by our friend Jennifer Miller for her upcoming exhibition. Hope to see you all there!

ART PARTY
Saturday, March 19th, 6-10 pm
Featuring new works by Elizabeth Conley and Jennifer Miller

Gus Harper Studios
11306 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90066
323.420.4278
310.780.6224

Timeless Beauty: CONCERTO by Larson Juhl

A 15th-16th century Italian cassetta design. This frame is gilded in 22K gold and is
adorned with a classic technique from early 14th century panel paintings,
pastiglia, which creates a soft, low relief ornamentation on the panel.

We are very pleased to carry the stunning Larson-Juhl CONCERTO COLLECTION. These closed cornered hand finished frames with centuries old historical designs from Italy, Spain, France, Holland and America employ beautiful decorative techniques including sgraffito, pastiglia, carved patterns and hand gilding.

According to Larson-Juhl:
"Our inspiration for CONCERTO artisan frames came from our love of frame making and an appreciation of designs from many cultures and periods in time. Many of the ornamental patterns for these fine art frames came directly from the archives of our water gilding atelier in France, Larson-Juhl Senelar. With over 100 years experience, this atelier takes great pride in the time-honored skill of creating the finest frames."


Bold carved patterns and 22K gold on cracked gesso comprise this
17th century Spanish design. The antiqued frame is embellished further
with bead and reel ornamentation, corner leaf ornaments and a
dramatic patina for an authentic aged look.



This 18th century Louis XVI frame with burnished inner and outer edges
and inside matte panel features a French wash patina. The beauty of the lay lines
creates an elegant rhythm to the frame, available in 22K gold and 12K white gold.

 Stop in the frame studio to view a partial collection of Larson-Juhl CONCERTO corners and a  fantastically detailed catalogue.

Please note that due to the detailed nature of these hand crafted mouldings, additional production time is required. Call us at (310) 204-6830 for more information.

Glossary:
Pastiglia- a plaster used during the Italian Renaissance for bas-relief ornament of furniture, being applied in layers, molded, carved, and gilded.

Sgraffito- (Italian: "scratched"), in the visual arts, a technique used in painting, pottery, and glass, which consists of putting down a preliminary surface, covering it with another, and then scratching the superficial layer in such a way that the pattern or shape that emerges is of the lower colour.

Print on Acrylic, Bamboo and Aluminum for a Modern Look




Print directly on Acrylic

Consider printing artwork directly onto acrylic, bamboo or aluminum for an ultra modern and really cool look. Castelli can help you digitize and print art onto a variety of different substrates. Call us at (310) 204-6830 for details.

Print directly onto Bamboo (a sustainable resource)



Print directly onto Aluminum

 We can help you decide which is the best print option for you. You can also choose from a variety of fine art papers, canvas and canvas made from recycled plastic bottles.

You will LOVE the results!

The New METALS

Nielsen Metal Frames: Stylish and Contemporary

Long gone are the days of super shiny thin metal frames that graced your Twisted Sister poster, signed Quiet Riot album cover or autographed Farrah Fawcett photograph. Nielsen has created new, and dare we say, STYLISH metal frames.

These New Metals ROCK!

Now you can totally re-frame your treasured rock memorabilia or update your latest Justin Bieber poster, in cool colors like Cappuccino, Sapphire, Graphite, Frosted Gold, Modern Pewter and Jet Black. The substantial 1-1/2" profile, 1" depth and brushed matte surface make these metal frames really rock!

PS-- Also suitable for Duran Duran, Culture Club, Book of Love and Go-Go's posters, as well as, autographed David Hasselhoff & Kit photographs.

Try our wonderful, whimsical whites!



ROMA LAVO Collection in White

Did you know that there are more shades of white available commercially than any other color? It is no wonder that white continues to be a powerhouse in all genres of design. White is clean, soothing, peaceful, simple and classic, and when used in framing, allows the eye to fall directly on the art.


ROMA VINTAGE in White

 Lately, we seen a wonderful evolution in the design of white mouldings, particularly from our friends at ROMA. They have updated traditional frame designs into elegant and lighthearted contemporary styles with high gloss and matte finishes. White goes a little whimsical...and we love it!

Stop in the frame studio today and shake it up with a contemporary white moulding on your artworks, photographs, collectibles or decorative mirrors.

Oscar nod for Exit Through the Gift Shop

The Banksy directed film  EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is nominated for an Academy Award  in the Documentary (Feature) category. See the Washington Post article on Los Angeles based artist-filmmaker Mr. Brainwash, and Castelli client, who shot and starred in the film.

Will the elusive Bansky attend the Academy Awards? You'll have to watch and see...Look for Mr. Brainwash, said to be wearing Dolce and Gabbana, with Banksy, said to be wearing a monkey mask.

You can also check out the Oscar-inspired mural Mr. Brainwash created on the walls of his Los Angeles studio--just look for the giant Stormtroopers guarding an Oscar on La Brea. http://www.mrbrainwash.com/

Vive La France: The Vintage, Versailles and Savoir Collections

ROMA presents VINTAGE in Gilded Gold Leaf

Introducing the VINTAGE moulding by ROMA-- a collection that brings modern day refinement to classic French elegance. Inspired by the world masterpieces in the Louvre, VINTAGE embodies the essence of sophisticated elegance and design. A truly delightful moulding that breathes life into everything it envelopes.

VINTAGE is available in Urban Black, Urban White, Gilded Silver Leaf and Gilded Gold Leaf. 1-3/4 or 2-5/8 inch profiles.

ROMA presents VERSAILLES in Cafe Creme Etched Silver

Permeating with elegant detail work and encased in rich classic tones, VERSAILLES is the quintessential definition of French elegance. Inspired by the architecture of Louis XIV, this moulding brings rich textures and hues unsurpassed in modern day design.

VERSAILLES is available in Black Etched Silver, Cafe Creme Etched Silver, Walnut Etched Silver and Dark Brown Etched Silver. 1-1/8, 1-3/4 or 3 inch profiles.


ROMA presents SAVOIR in Burnt Brown


Deep rustic elegance defines the mood delivered in the SAVOIR mouldings by ROMA-- a collection that marries old world charm with modern day elegance. Inspired by the medieval town of Cognac in France, SAVOIR is the very definition of refinement, class and design.

SAVOIR is available in Burnt Brown, Cafe Creme, Charcoal and Dark Brown. 1/2, 3/8 or 3/8 inch (with a 1-3/8 rabbet) profiles.

ROMA VINTAGE Photograph Frame in Urban Black.
(Photography by Amie Mack)

The VINTAGE, VERSAILLES and SAVOIR collections are also available as photograph frames and custom decorative mirrors. Please call as at (310) 204-6830 for more details or stop in the frame studio today!

Photograph credit: Amie Mack courtesy of Green City Fine Art and www.amiemack.com

Oversize Canvases for LA Art Machine

LA Art Machine needed some serious OVERSIZE canvases for the Los Angeles Art Show and Castelli was ready, willing and able to assist! The canvases measured about 12 FT in height and were used for the LAAM artist's to paint on live at the show. 

Bring the Outdoors Indoors!



Arquati USA- The Pasadena Collection

 We love the look and textures of wood! Arquati USA presents several gorgeous collections that employ wood veneers that are soothing, elegant and lovely. The Pasadena Collection is characterized by the American West Coast Craftsman style with simple, bold lines and rich veneers. A 4-1/8" width allows you to amply frame large scale paintings and create truly stunning custom mirrors.



Arquati USA- The LACCA Collection

 The LACCA Collection evokes an old Japanese tradition of embellishing art and design objects. The technique of lacquer is widely held to be one of that country's greatest contributions to the decorative arts. LACCA styling is aimed to complement the latest trends in modern-contemporary interiors. These high gloss mouldings are distinctive, simple and inviting.

Arquati USA- The Prairie Collection



Arquati USA- The Lancaster Collection

 Gorgeous wood grains and classic decorative beading are welcome additions to your historic or contemporary home! Try these mouldings on black & white, sepia or color photographs, pencil sketches or richly hued watercolors--you'll love the results.

Go ahead: bring the outdoors indoors!

Call us or stop in the frame studio today to see more inviting mouldings from Arquati USA.

Green City Fine Art at Las Vegas Market

January found Green City Fine Art exhibiting at the Winter 2011 Las Vegas Market: Gift + Home Show. It was a HUGE success, quite literally, there was 1 million+ square feet of exhibition space! GCFA extends its many thanks to Castelli Art Framing.

Green City Fine Art offers some of the coolest art around, with custom printing & sizing options, for interior designers, retailers (awesome giftables!) art consultants, corporations/businesses and more. Check out their website at http://www.greencityfineart.com/.