Close-Ups
October 2024
(Images can be enlarged further by double clicking on them.)
​Oakland born artist, Amos Sewell''s iconic depiction of a trick-or-treat gone wrong, faithfully illustrates a vignette of mid-Twentieth century American life. Selected as the cover for the Nov. 3, 1951 edition of The Saturday Evening POST, children in Halloween costumes being frightened by an adult wearing a mask illuminated by a flashlight held below it, appealed to the sense of humor of magazine buyers of that era.
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In pursuit of his artistic career, Sewell moved from the Bay Area to New York City in 1931. His illustrative painting style suggests influences from American Scene painters. That is, an American art style in stark contrast to European Modernism; …"a 'democratic' art style that was understandable and accessible to the broader (American) population." (Isabella Meyer, 1930s Art—A Look at the Art and Artists of America After the Fall).
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We’ve framed it in Larson Juhl’s “Carbon Midnight” frame, with its burnt-wood texture inspired by Japanese Shou Sugi Ban. The dark tones of the frame, along with the double matting in Fresco and Iron colors, highlight the eerie atmosphere of the scene. The top mat has a title window showing the title, artist, and publication date for the cover.
Two Spooks in PRISMA frames
PRISMA, by Bella Moulding, is a uniquely creative framing option. With 11 shapes, including round, over two dozen colors (including clear) and multiple pattern options, PRISMA frames enable you to create your own unique design.
This charming photo captures a playful take on the classic ghost costume. Framed in a PRISMA “Ovalo” shape with a "Cascade" pattern, the soft purples and pinks of the photograph are accentuated by the Eggplant background and Candy Pink wave. The result is both humorous and slightly eerie—a perfect fit for Halloween décor.
This bold jack-o-lantern emits mysterious magenta vapors, making for a spooky and modern Halloween piece. What could be scarier than a jack-o-lantern emitting magenta smoke?
This striking image is framed in a PRISMA “Mia” shape frame with the pumpkin shape "Bubbles" pattern. The vibrant Piñata orange applied to the frame's lip and pattern, along with the Admiral blue background, enhance the spooky and playful energy of the image.
Click Here
to experiment creating
your own PRISMA design.
Benny is being beaming up to an alien spaceship, invited by Robby the Robot to go trick-or-treating on Altair IV! This fun scene, inspired by Mike having seen the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet, when he was 8 years old, combines a vivid magenta aura around Benny with the vast darkness of space.
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The 5x7 photo is double matted using acid-free Artique mat colors—Vineyard and Midnight Blue—and framed in a 5/8" Artisan Cascade Purple frame with black distressed details.
This scene captures Madison in a grand, glowing crystal palace, the perfect backdrop for her royal costume. Her sparkling tiara and flowing gown are perfectly framed by the Domus Silver frame (1 & 7/8” wide), which features soft metallic burnished foil details, made in Italy. The transitional profile adds elegance and complements the magical atmosphere of the palace. With UV-filtering acrylic gazing, there's no need for matting.
​Madison’s joy is contagious as she explores this enchanted forest, her Elsa costume glowing amidst the trees and sparkles.
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Framed in an Allegra Silver frame (3/4" wide) with a decorative embossed bay leaf pattern, this scene feels alive with magic. The single matting in Artique Goblin Blue adds to the whimsical nature of the scene, highlighting the cool tones of her dress and the forest around her.
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