Long Island Picture Framing

Bring That Tired Old Painting 'Back to Life' with Expert Art Restoration

2012-01-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

It is truly amazing what a properly restored painting can do to a room!

We are an accredited practice of highly qualified and experienced conservator/restorers of paintings. We are conveniently located in the Village of Garden City.

While based on Long Island, we also condition check, conserve and restore works of art for clients throughout the tri-state area.

We restore and conserve paintings on: canvas wood, paper and metal and of all ages; are one of very few galleries who have museum specialist expertise in the conservation of contemporary and modern art.

We have years of conservation experience at museums and at commercial galleries in the U.S. and abroad. As well as respected museums and galleries, our clients include artists, insurers, loss adjustors and individual private collectors.

We are a flexible, responsive and approachable team, able to deal with very large projects at short notice; we recently assessed 400 flood damaged paintings over three days and treated those in need within three months.

With trusted frame, paper conservators on staff, as well as specialist art transporters, framers, installers, insurers and conservation scientists, we regularly provide a full conservation service for our wonderful clients.

We are equally happy to conserve and restore single paintings for individual private clients and provide advice and free estimates without any sort of obligation at our Garden City gallery.

Though we normally work gallery office hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), appointments can also be made after-hours or Sundays for clients who are unable to get to during the gallery week. Home visits to provide estimates can also be arranged where a painting is very large or particularly fragile.

Estimates are based on the time taken to carry out treatments, usually at least a few weeks and sometimes several weeks. Prices range from as little as $200 to many thousands.

Estimates are given freely and without obligation, but please note that an accurate or binding estimate cannot be provided from photographs alone as paintings vary considerably - in person visual assessment - will be necessary to establish appropriate conservation techniques.

Since the practice was established in 2005 we have conserved and restored a vast range of artworks, from early medieval panels to twenty-first century mixed media works. Conservation treatments vary enormously from simple removal of surface dirt, to tear mending, re lining very worn canvases, cleaning discolored old varnishes and retouching and full restoration of missing areas.

All conservation treatments are carried out to the highest ethical and practical standards using materials that are conservation-grade, will not deteriorate or discolor over time, and remain fully reversible.

Sadly, much of the damage we see to paintings is due to poor packing and handling, and is often preventable. Therefore we also advise on handling, packing, hanging, lighting and aftercare.
We are trained art handlers and regularly escort fragile paintings to exhibition venues and back to lenders, we have wide experience of couriering fragile, valuable outsize paintings on freight planes and trucks, checking the hanging and the condition of the paintings on arrival and providing condition report forms for indemnity purposes
Long Island Art CLEANING and Restoration

Manta Business listing

2011-12-21T07:51:00.001-08:00

You Wouldn't Bring Your Car to the Butcher Shop for a Tune Up...

2011-11-30T10:58:00.000-08:00

Can never believe when folks entrust their personal belongings to big box stores, the mall or camera shops. I mean these merchants all have a valuable role, offer goods and services that we all need, but...

Having a precious wedding photo framed by a kid with a Mohawk and a bone in his nose?
A disgruntled semi-pro photographer is going to select an important frame that's going to hang in your beautiful, well-designed, living room?
To be viewed (and supposedly last) for the next 40 years?

C'mon now...

We are an art gallery and expert frame shop.

That's all we do.

We believe a frame should firstly be functional, protecting your artwork.
Secondly it should be beautiful; even the simplest of frames should be proportionally elegant, with strong corners and a smooth, consistent finish.
Thirdly it should delight you. Every day. Every single time you look at it.

We ordinarily see 10 to 20 clients each day, ranging from photographic students preparing for an end-of-year show to an interior designer working on a client’s project. Over the course of a week we’ll see artists, designers, collectors, architects, conservators – an enormous range and diverse group of clients - that has contributed to our team’s immense knowledge of art and mediums, making us best placed to specify the ultimate presentation solutions.

No matter the type of art or client, we apply the same exacting level of patience, care, knowledge and advice.
As a starting point we will advise on the best way to protect and preserve the artwork. It’s not just vintage photographs and watercolors that require archival materials; in today’s environment, even the newest of art requires protection, so it’s important to ensure the work is safe and secure before we address the frame design.

When it comes to your frame design, the world is your oyster. The options are limitless... shadowboxes, gold leaf, metal, natural walnut - we have a team of 15 experts on stand by, ready to: cut, join, sand, finish and prepare your frame.

It takes a little time to make your frame of course, as do all the best things in life, but once it's completed and ready for pick up (or delivery/hanging in one of our vans), you’ll be amazed at the results.

A frame can literally transform artwork, transform a room, transfer moments and memories.

Drew is gallery director at
Sunflower Fine Art Galleries, Mirrors and Expert Picture Framing,
172 7th Street, 516-747-7406

Quality. Origin. Is it safe for my family?

2011-11-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Challenge

“Finding a retail store in this day and age that carries a line of quality home décor products is becoming increasingly more difficult,”

says Stephanie Montemarano, mother of two and home décor enthusiast.

“I remember a time when I could enter a variety of stores knowing that I would find a beautiful selection of quality products made in Europe. Today, the majority of items that have made their way into retail stores are Made in China and made of very poor quality.”

Expressing her extreme disappointment in what has happened to the quality and selection of products available to consumers today; she indicated how in the past five years many of the upscale retail stores that were once known for carrying premium products have become nothing more than a fancier version of a flea market in her eyes.

“Worst of all, I have two small children and I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was terribly concerned about the contaminants I might be bringing into my home by purchasing such products. As a mother, it is my duty to ensure that my home environment is a safe one for my children,” she continued. “We worry so much about the many risks our children face out in the world every single day and it truly saddens me that without proper government labeling, we have allowed many unsafe items to make their way into our homes. So now more than ever I am trying to create a home that is safe, eco-friendly and free of harmful contaminants.”

Solution

“I started to look for retail stores that specialized in carrying sophisticated, high quality home décor products that are made in countries like Italy where I know their governments implement very strict rules and guidelines. They may cost a little more, but in the long run I know it is the right choice for me, my family and our environment,” she passionately stated.

For Stephanie the decision to be cautious about the products she brings into her home was a natural one and one that many consumers are now facing. By asking retailers where and how products are made, she is holding them accountable for the products they sell and she hopes that if more people start asking questions that together we can make a change.

Custom Framing - its all about YOU!

2011-11-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

Custom framing provides you with an opportunity to get exactly what you want.

To the very last detail. You get to choose what to frame, as well as the color scheme, style and even proportions.

How many things/times in life can give you exactly what you want?

With thousands of frames, styles, textures and mats to choose from, framing design possibilities are almost unlimited. By mixing and matching them in different combinations, you can hand pick frame treatments to accentuate the best attributes in any piece of art.

What you will be framing plays the most important role in how it will be framed. For example, a canvas is generally framed quite differently than a print on paper, even if the print is of the same image.
The subject, era, style and color scheme of the items being framed should also be factored in. When each of them is carefully considered, the resulting frame design is more likely to be in sync with the art.
There is a time and place for framing to be of a historical nature while in other situations it is fun to explore new "out of the box" options.

Typically, any historical art, documents and artifacts are framed to look authentic to their period. Traditional frame profiles and fabric or hand painted mats are common.

If a new piece of art was painted in an old world style, it may provide the perfect opportunity to update the look; spice it up with a present day frame design.

Drew is gallery director at Sunflower Fine Art Galleries, Mirrors and Expert Picture Framing, 172 7th Street, 516-747-7406.

The Impact of Great Custom Framing

2011-11-09T10:14:00.000-08:00

Personalizing your home or work space with quality custom framing is a great way to express your personality and to enjoy your surroundings.

Distinct, unique pieces say a lot about you, very often may say a lot to you. While others can go to the store and buy the same sofa, tables and lamps that you have, it is highly unlikely anyone will ever have the exact same custom framing as you.

That makes superb custom framing extra special-for it is all about you!

Regardless of what you choose to have framed for your home - a favorite piece of art, a mirror, an object inherited from an ancestor or anything else - it will add interest to your space. It will enrich your life.

Take a look at these rooms to see for yourself what a big impact custom framing makes.

The IMPACT of great Custom Framing

2011-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Personalizing your home or work space with custom framing is a great way to express your personality and to enjoy your surroundings. While others can go to the store and buy the same sofa, tables and lamps that you have, it is highly unlikely anyone will ever have the exact same custom framing as you.

Regardless of what you choose to have framed for your home, whether it is a favorite piece of art, a mirror, an object inherited from an ancestor or anything else, it will add interest to your space. Take a look at these rooms, with and without framed art to see for yourself what a big impact custom framing makes.

Poster Framing - "should I put money into it?"

2011-05-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Posters are often looked down on as being somewhat inferior to other types of prints. Granted, some are printed on flimsy paper, using cheap ink, but many posters are equal in caliber to fine art prints. Rather than framing a poster in an inexpensive "poster" frame, try mats or stacked mouldings like you would use for other types of art. Suddenly your poster looks more like a work of art.

Tip: Posters, like other art, should not come in direct contact with the glass. Since posters are often framed without mats, be sure to ask for spacers to keep the glass from touching the front of your poster when it is framed.

Time to enjoy your art

2011-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Pictures propped against walls, crammed in closets, dime store framed or carried away by picture-thieving magpies can't be enjoyed in your home.

.
With the largest selection of frame styles and assorted mats, Sunflower Fine Art's picture-framing pros offer expert picture framing services to capture artwork before it wanders off into the ether. So it can be hung with pride and enjoyed.

Customers can view over 3,000 molding samples to design framing ideas with the ever-caring consultation with our friendly staff about choosing the best materials to preserve and display their oil paintings, needlepoint Mona Lisa, or photographs.

After being entrusted with an artistic treasure, Sunflower completes the custom framing on-site using cutting-edge technology to stretch, mount, and trim out intricate matting designs. For non-flat artwork, shadowbox framing allows customers to preserve important sports memorabilia or bury plants alive. While prices vary depending on the item being framed, basic metal framing starts at $79.95.

2010-10-23T07:54:00.001-07:00

TubeHome.com Video from everywhere!

Ideas and Inspirations for Your Important Frame Project....

2010-10-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

Art on Canvas

There are six diverse ways to frame or present a canvas. Of course when you factor in all of the moulding options, your design choices are nearly endless.

Single Moulding

When a single moulding is used, consider that it may need to make up for everything that is not there. For example, mats and fillets would add to the color, scale, and texture of your design if the same art was on paper. The single moulding you choose can offset those missing elements if it has a contrasting lip, wider profile, and perhaps some texture or ornamentation.

Liner and Frame

Liners are to canvases what a mat is to a print on paper. Both serve as a border that provides a breathing space or area of visual relief so the frame doesn’t crowd the art and the art can be focused on without distraction from other elements in the decor. Most liners today are fabric covered but the first liners were gilded. Simple flat gilded profiles are still used as the liner of choice inside of finished corner frames.

Stacked Moulding Combination

For hundreds of years, two or more mouldings have often been combined to create one frame. Combinations of mouldings can be used to add width, color, pattern, etc.

Float Frame

A float frame allows you to present the art without covering the edge as a standard frame will. When used alone, a float provides the most minimal frame design. However, you can add other frames around the float to add scale and personality to your design.

A Platform

“Gallery Wraps” are popular today. This means the art continues down the outside edge of the canvas. A typical framing treatment would hide it. If you don’t frame it, it can look unfinished like a house without landscaping or a car without tires. By placing the canvas on top of a frame, you provide the finishing touch without covering any of the art.

Frame on a Mat in a Frame

We typically do not recommend using mats with art on canvas, but this is an exception. This mat is linen so it will hold up to exposure. It is a solid piece without a window opening and it is glued to a foamboard backing so it can't buckle. This is a good technique to increase overall size due to the adjustability of the mat borders and it is a fresh, unique look.
Tip:
Art on canvas is rarely covered with glass or acrylic. Exceptions may include canvases that are valuable, fragile or when hanging in high risk areas where they might be touched, bumped, or subject to airborne pollutants such as smoke or grease.

New Mouldings from ROMA

2010-05-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

New TERRA™ Mouldings

Introducing the new Terra Moulding Collection - its striking stone etched finish is enveloped in brilliant metallic hues. Each layer creating a uniquely mottled palette that beautifully reflects light, while the contemporary profiles offer design versatility for your framing needs.

2009-12-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

Most of us like to keep photographs of family, friends, and fun sitting around to remember those we love and the great times we've had. Although photo albums make a convenient place for storing the most special pictures that we want to preserve, our homes offer many alternative ways of displaying drawings, poems, decorations, and photos in attractive frame settings.

CREATIVE, DISTINCTIVE CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Framed family photos are one of the pleasant challenges involved with home decorating. On one hand, you don't want to put up so many family pictures that guests get bored or feel that the host is self-centered. But on the other hand, family photos in individual or group shots can add a warm feeling to any room.

The key is to strike a balance.

Some families make a "wall of fame" display of loved ones' delightfully framed photos in the family room, staircase wall, or another living space. Special framed photos remind viewers that loved ones are special, and if they won't be with us always, their images will remain for many years to come.

Another type of personal framed art that adds to a home's beauty come in a range of artistic wall hangings that are framed by coordinating frames of wood or metal. Typically, the frames will match household fixtures or furniture, or provide interest accent points for the rooms in which they appear.

Delicate shadowboxed dried flowers, a child's hand print, someone's personal poem, or a favorite Bible verse make wonderful framed feature pieces for your home's walls.

However, you need not restrict all your framed art for the walls only. You can set table framed pieces on the bedroom dresser, atop corner shelves, and even on the bathroom vanity. Kitchen counter space and dining room tables, when not in use, also provide great spots for cute curios. If you have collected several items over the years, you can get a lighted collector's cabinet to keep the most attractive or recent on display for guests and family members alike.

Don't overlook this exciting way of putting your personal,warm and altogether fresh touch in your home.

NEW Biltmore Frame Collection

2009-07-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the quantity and craftsmanship of America's greatest home, the Biltmore™ Frame Collection by Larson-Juhl® will celebrate your artwork and photographs with elegance and style.

The Biltmore™ Collection is the industries's first PEFC certified frame collection continuing Biltmore's and Larson-Juhl's shared focus on protecting the environment.

Built between 1889-1895, Biltmore is known for its relaxed elegance and exceptional treasures, including original art from masters such as Pierre-August Renoir and John Singer Sargent. The painting’s antique frames with their intricate details, aged patina and rich finishes, served as the inspiration for the Biltmore™ Collection by Larson-Juhl®.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, inspires fine living in all who visit, and many of its guests would like to bring that feeling into their own home. Now, thanks to Larson-Juhl, custom picture frame manufacturer, and Sunflower Custom Picture Framing they can! Sunflower Custom Picture Framing is introducing Larson-Juhl’s Biltmore Collection, a new line of fine, custom frames inspired by the antique frames, art and architecture that is Biltmore.

“We are excited to introduce this Biltmore-inspired frame collection to Long Island, New York City, and the surrounding area! Vanderbilt’s love of fine art and respect for the environment is evident in the frame designs and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that feeling into our client’s homes,” says Drew Winslow- Gallery Director of Long Island Custom Picture Framing.

Biltmore Estate™, first envisioned and later commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt III, was the most ambitious home ever conceived in America and took over six years and an army of artisans to create. It was completed in 1895, with 250 rooms, four acres of floor space, and was filled with a priceless collection of furnishings and artwork. Vanderbilt’s love for fine art was evident as he and his new bride traveled the world collecting fine art and frames to fill their home. His exceptional collection includes original works from masters such as Pierre-August Renoir and John Singer Sergeant.

After enjoying the estate for more than 35 years privately, the Vanderbilt family opened the estate to the public to generate tourism in March 1930. Since that time, Biltmore has been available for public tours - allowing Biltmore’s legacy to live on. During WWII, Biltmore housed priceless artworks from the National Gallery of Art for safekeeping. In 1963, Biltmore was named a National Historic Landmark. Today, Biltmore welcomes more than 1 million guests per year and continues to inspire all who see it.

Vanderbilt envisioned his estate as an eco-friendly environment; keeping in line with that focus, The Biltmore Collection by Larson-Juhl is the company’s first Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) ™ certified frame collection. To earn PEFC certification, the lumber used in the manufacturing process must come from well-managed, sustainable forests.

For additional details on how you can bring the Biltmore Estate into your home, or to see the Biltmore Collection of fine custom frames, please visit SUNFLOWER FINE ART Picture Framing or call (516) 742-6100.

Long Island's Picture Framer

2009-04-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Long Island's Art Gallery, often called the most 'comprehensive art gallery in America'- we consistently endeavor to accommodate and satisfy even the most discerning of clients

Sunflower Fine Art offers a vast, affordable and marvelous selection of:

*****FINE ART:

oil paintings -- prints -- watercolors -- artist signed limited editions -- photographs -- lithographs -- giclees -- Disney Fine Art -- serigraphs -- Limited Edition Sports Art -- etchings -- The Art of Dr. Seuss -- vintage posters -

by ALL major ARTISTS in all price categories

---our crack research team can locate just about anything you're looking for---

*****CUSTOM FRAMING:

Over 3,000 choices: From smart-looking yet inexpensive metal moldings and natural wood frames
to high-end 23k gold (yellow) and 18k gold (lemon) beauties
...
...from black matte, cherry wood, inlays, Italian veneers, finished corner, chisel carved & moderately priced natural oaks... along with
... real suede mats, French mats,...
fine shadow box framing, floating, sports jersey / sports equipment framing, memorabilia framing...

... we specialize in:
diploma, degree, legal & medical certificate framing as well as old family photo digital restoration and re-printing.

In short- an extraordinary selection of frames from Italy, Spain, the USA and elsewhere - all available to design the perfect frame for the piece - and MOST importantly...the perfect frame for YOU!!!

*****ART SUPPORT SERVICES:

*Art Delivery

** Hanging & Installation

*** Art Restoration & Cleaning

**** Portrait Painting

**** Art Conservation

****** Decorative & Faux Painting

******* Mural Painting

******** In-Home or Office Art Consultation

********* Picture Lights

********** Commission Painting

*************** Custom & Stock Mirrors

*************** Corporate/Office Art Consultation

**************** Fine Art Museum Digital Capture Services

****************** Museum Quality, Fine Art Giclee Printmaking

>>>>>Brilliant art available at every price level
(open edition posters start at $120 framed)
From open edition prints(posters) to important major international (blue chip) works on canvas or paper

>>>>>>>>>>>Within any reasonable time frame (normal jobs are complete in 2-4 weeks)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>At any art familiarity level (no condescending, snobby "art-speak" here)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>We offer expert packing and FEDEX shipping to any location worldwide