Our Blog

To help you get the "hang" of artful arranging, the following are some pointers on picture grouping. Walls are the largest single feature in any room! Be sure yours make a positive statement by careful selection of your artwork, framing and hanging.

1. Composition is the key. Consider your grouping as a single unit of line, balance, rhythm and scale.

2. First, work out an attractive arrangement on the floor. Remember to measure out the entire amount of wall space you have to work in. Trace an outline of each picture on paper (newspaper, freezer paper, brown craft paper) and use these as guides for placement on the walls. This will eliminate unnecessary nail holes.

3. The eye craves order, so remember your practical geometry. Hang pictures so that they form at least one horizontal, and one vertical line (with the exception of a round grouping.)

4. Your arrangement should hang-together, literally. Too much space between pictures disrupts the graphic effect. (Use your hand width as a good spacing between pieces.)

5. Remember, not only size, but color and textures will affect the balance. Always integrate groupings for balance by keeping the weight of your composition well distributed.

6. Correct scale is such a common factor in decorating that we are not aware of it until it is absent. Take into consideration the sizes of objects used together. Tiny pictures over a large overstuffed sofa or vice versa will not create an aesthetic appearance.

7. How high or how low???? Remember, everyone’s “eye-level” is different. The Rule to remember is: No more than 6 to 8 inches above a piece of furniture. Or at average eye level if not hanging above furniture.

8. Place a piece of tape on the wall before driving the nail into it to prevent the plaster or paint from chipping.

9. Use two hooks on any piece over about 12” in width. It will keep the piece level and give it more support.

10. If you need help, we are experts at arranging and hanging pictures and mirrors. Call  667-7332 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

We have a great selection of original art, limited edition prints and unique crafts. We feature black and white photography from Roman Loranc.

We have exciting news! Roman Loranc is  printing LARGE photos.  First Street Gallery is honored to be the first gallery to show this 36 X 30 image!

Carol & Harry with "Homeward Bound II"
 
This photograph will only be here at the Gallery for a limited time, so take this opportunity to stop by and see it. Roman's work at this scale is captivating. Awesome is an understatement. If you enjoy Roman's photos in their traditional sizes, imagine how striking this large-format photo is!
 
We also have a selection of other new Roman Loranc photographs in the Gallery.
 
The photo will only be here until mid-May, so be sure to stop by and see it!

First Street Gallery & Frame Company

Sale Corner

Sale Of The Week

This beautiful print was created by 

Miguel Dominguez.

 

"Spring On a Slant"

Open Edition Print

 
Image Size 10 1/2" x 13 1/2" 

Handsomely framed in a 1 1/4"

dark brown moulding

with gold beading and filigree

and a 3" white mat with a 1/4" blue lip. 

 

Regular price - $300

 

Sale price - $200

Sale of the week price:

$150

 

Special price good April 11 through April 16.

Miguel Dominguez was born in El Paso, Texas in 1941. He spent his formative years in the agricultural valley of Salinas, California where he gained an appreciation for open spaces, wooded areas and rolling hills. Those early observations now reflect themselves in many of his paintings. Pursuing his childhood love of drawing, he studied art for two years at Hartnell College before enrolling at Cal Poly to study landscape architecture.

 

Dominguez paints from childhood memories, as well as from present experiences. His techniques are complex and result in scenes that are powerful and unique. There is, however, gentleness to the work that reflects the essence of his being.

 

 Watch your email for the

"Sale Of The Week""!

Come in and check our

SALE CORNER

 

for amazing bargains!

First Street Gallery & Frame Company Sale Corner Sale Of The Week!

This beautiful print was created by

James Seward.

"Lamb Of God"

•    Open Edition Print

•    Image Size 12" x 16"

•    Handsomely framed in a 1 3/4" antique white-washed moulding with a 3" brown suede mat and gold bead fillet surrounding the image. Regular price - $400
 Sale price - $200 

Sale of the week price - $100.00
 
Special price good April 4 through April 9.

Lamb of God by James Seward ~ Luke 15:6b
"...Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost."
James E. Seward has been painting religious themes for more than 40 years. He is an ordained minister and teaches as well as paints. 

Watch your email for the "Sale Of The Week""!

 

Don't forget First Street is your one stop shop for Roman Loranc Photography!

We are please to have the photography of Paul Kozal at First Street Gallery! Glen and Carol recently made a trip to Gualala to meet Paul and his lovely wife Carol.

Paul Kozal, a self taught photographer, was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

      Cypress Mist

Kozal's subject matter consists mostly of landscapes, particularly in the American Southwest and the West. Moving to the Bay Area in 1996, Kozal's work now incorporates the landscapes of California's interior and coastal locales. Kozal works in two distinct areas: toned and hand-tinted black and white gelatin silver prints. His images incorporate atmosphere, mystery and evocative tones to create his unique signature style.
His photographs have appeared in numerous publications and are collected by private and corporate collections.