Fran Larsen Small Abstract Watercolors

I picked these up awhile ago at an antique mall in South Haven, Michigan. I think I paid about $50 for the pair. I am going to take them to the frame shop and get new mats and glass, so I thought I would post them and let you take a look. I am guessing they are from the late 70's. Do you think the subject is inspired by the architecture of the Southwest? They measure 4" X 3" and 5" by 4". The artist lived in South Haven and moved to New Mexico.

 

Interesting question. Dunno but... At a glance, the paintings from her New Mexican period seem to be more colorful. Here's an example of her work more similar to yours. Clearly an urban landscape. No title. No date.

Debora

 

These are really great. They have nice composition. I'm glad you're getting new acid free mats and some uv-resistant glass put on them. I'd personally put on a new frame with some warmth and texture to match too.

 

Agree the frames may not be everyone's taste but they're very likely contemporary to the work.

Debora

 

Those metallic metals were super popular in the 80s-ish so very possibly contemporary. I don't know that it means much to a piece like this to preserve them (and they still make them) but definitely a matter of personal taste. I do like the mats they chose. Someone had a good eye for drawing out the right colors.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Section_Frame

Debora

 

I am going to replace the frames, because my wife has requested that all of the frames in our recently remodeled kitchen be black. I like the sturdiness and clean lines of the vintage metal ones, but I haven’t ever kept one. I recently installed one of those gallery hanging systems with the stainless wires above our fireplace, it allows for lots of adjustment if you want to swap pictures.

 

Oh dear once you start keeping nice, but empty, frames they have a way of multiplying...Ask me how I know. I've had more than one clear out, but still pockets of them persist! Black will look very nice on these.

I live in a 30s house with built in gallery molding and it is certainly convenient!

 

I was a framer in another life. And still occasionally in my current one lol. The edges on these things are the devil.

 

in the 90's too.
I put a lot of prints in those frames.....they were some of the least expensive....but longest lasting..

 

Ha in every era they haunt me. I even have a couple hanging myself. I loathe dealing with them though. All sharp edges and pulling out the spring clips is obnoxious.

 

I have a large one, in my bathroom.........& pieces of several others that I unframed , stored away...