Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pen & Ink Covered Bridges

When we lived in Illinois while Hubby was stationed at Scott AFB (but remember, he was in the Army), they had a silent auction one day during some special luncheon. I didn't even know about it until Hubby walked through the door with his winning bid.

So some seven or eight years ago a $30 bid won both of these pen & ink drawings by Francis Clark Brown, an Indiana artist.


Until we moved to Michigan a year ago I left them in their original frames, which happened to be professionally done. They were black metal and there was matting around the pictures, although I can't remember if it was black or white anymore.

The framing really wasn't my style and didn't do anything for the drawings, so I purchased these black frames on sale at Michael's and took the drawings out of the original frames (the drawings are 11x14). I put them in without matting since the frame was wider. I'm so happy with them now I just wish I'd done it when Hubby won them. I just liked them so-so then; now I love them.

I haven't been able to find much information online about Francis Clark Brown (1908-1992). I'm sure these bridges are from somewhere in Indiana where he lived, but they aren't marked in any way. I guess I'll just have to be satisfied that the drawings are signed and the artist is not a complete mystery.

This post is linked to Show and Tell Friday hosted by Cindy at My Romantic Home.

24 comments:

Cindy said...

Those are really nice! The frames are perfect! Thanks for joining in!

Sue said...

Isn't it funny how reframing something can make such a difference. Even painting a frame a different color is fun! Thank you for sharing your lovely drawings!
Blessings~LillySue

Anonymous said...

I love the drawings...are they pen and ink or pencil?

and black frames are always the best...although I have some originals my Grandma painted up...they're oils and came with brown very heavy frames. I've thought about redoing the frames on them but I'm scared to...because they are older and the original frames :/

I hope to have my Open House soon :)

Mari said...

They are really nice and I like the frames too!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing with us.

Kayren said...

Demara ~ pen and ink...so far I've never been unhappy with anything I've reframed. It always gives things a fresh look.

Rebekah@Red's Nest said...

I'd love to actually visit those covered bridges. So peaceful and pretty. Blessings!

Susan B said...

The drawings are beautiful, and the black frames set them off nicely. Thank you for sharing about them.

Jeanne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanne said...

Covered bridges have a old world charm.

Wisconsin also has a covered bridge - if you would like to see my photo of one, go to one of these URL's.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19871452

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19870772

Gee said...

Hi Kayren,

They are really beautiful. Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend.

RobinfromCA said...

Beautiful. I love pen and ink drawings and these are so nice because they hold nice memories for you as well. Love the frames you chose - they compliment the pictures perfectly!

Hootin Anni said...

Such a wonderful, perfect show n tell.

My Show n Tell is another craft project I just finished this week. You can find it here at this link

Have a glorious weekend. AND....this is what I just found from Google...

http://www.askart.com/askart/b/francis_clark_brown/francis_clark_brown.aspx

Betsy Brock said...

Covered bridges are so nostalgic! Living in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio, I've always been around them...so beautiful! The Hubby got a great deal!

Love Bears All Things said...

I like them. I didn't see them in the before frames but these black ones certainly look nice.
Mama Bear

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

These are wonderful and the framing really shows off their beauty! I don't need to 'see' the original frame, your describing it to me seemed like they might have been to "hard". These are just right! Thanks for sharing!

Mary @ Framed and Tagged said...

Your prints are wonderful!!!
The frames look perfect.

Have a great day!!

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Kayren...

My friend, these pen and ink drawings are really beautiful and your pretty frames really do compliment them beautifully!!! What a treasure...such beautiful art and you're honey is so sweet to have gotten them for you! I haven't ever heard of this artist either but he sure is talented and I love old covered bridges! Hehe...I think of "The Bridges of Madison County" every time I see one! Thank you so much for sharing these treasures with us today...sure enjoyed them!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Jane said...

I think covered bridges are so interesting. I like the black frames. Thanks for sharing.

Sharlotte said...

I really like your prints! I'm glad that you are pleased with your reframing...I think they look really neat. Thanks for sharing.

Sharlotte said...

I really like your prints! I'm glad that you are pleased with your reframing...I think they look really neat. Thanks for sharing.

Angelica Bays, TygrLilies.blogspot.com said...

Oooh- old treasures made new again, how fun! Wouldn't it be even more fun if Antiques Roadshow told you they were worth a million dollars? Here's hoping!;o)

Brenda Pruitt said...

Covered bridges are so romantic. And evocative of another time. You're so lucky to have them! And they look great in their frames!
Brenda

Bonnie said...

I love them ! They look great in their new frames. I love covered bridges too, there's just something about them ...

 
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