Elizabeth Wharton Drexel - detail

March 16, 2012
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I visited the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island many years ago. It's a beautiful place and the mansions are well worth touring if you are ever in the area. It is amazing to see the wealth and art that went into the places.

In one of the mansions, The Elms, hangs a beautiful painting by Giovanni Boldini of Elizabeth Wharton Drexel, 1905. I loved the painting the moment I saw it, and when planning the Heritage parlor I thought it would be perfect.

I bought the frame at a local mini show for its shape, size and detailing, though I didn't care much for the color. It was too bright for the room and the only gold piece. I used Liquitex Iridescent Bronze paint to darken the bright gold finish. It's a subtle change, but it makes such a difference.

I sharpened and brightened the painting image in PhotoShop and printed on bond paper. It has a less shiny surface than regular computer paper. I think the painting looks older and richer now.