Acclaimed Civil War Artist Mort Kunstler has created a story of the much esteemed Stonewall Jackson in three paintings. “Road to Glory” shows Jackson leaving the Virginia Military Institute at the head of the Cadet Corp at the beginning of the war. “Final Visit” depicts Robert E Lee at Jackson’s grave in Lexington, VA.

This limited edition collector piece “Last Tribute of Respect” shows Jackson again leaving VMI for the last time . . . in his coffin.
Confederate General Thomas J Jackson was accidentally wounded by friendly fire during the Battle of Chancellorsville. Eight days later he was recovering from an amputation, but succumbed to pneumonia on May 10, 1863. Many tributes were printed and spoken for the man that many considered a national treasure. The Richmond Times Dispatch attempted to sum up the grief of the South stating: “Words have no power to express the emotion, which the death of Jackson has aroused in the public mind.”

Mort Kunstler took on the challenge of telling the story in this painting with his usual eye for detail and historical accuracy. Kunstler chose the moment on May 15^th when the casket was brought out of VMI through the Washington Arch and loaded onto the caisson headed to the funeral and burial.

Says Mort of his painting techniques- “By using age old artistic devices, (darkest dark against lightest light), I made the eye go where I wanted it to go.  I also incorporated the use of perspective lines, including the wagon wheel tracks, which lead straight to the center of interest. The brightest colors in the painting also add to the one goad of telling the story.

The group on the left is a cross section of the civilians who came to Lexington for the ceremonies that day: women, children, and old men.

The flags also tell a story by themselves. We see the Virginia flag and the first National Flag on the left. The coffin is covered with the second National Flag, reported to be the very first one to be put into use. The VMI flag with its color guard is on the right as well as the Confederate Battle Flags in the background.”

Kunstler concludes “The procession that followed the caisson was made up of the Stonewall Brigade, wounded warriors, dozens of honorary pallbearers, the entire Cadet Corps, officials from every level of government, thousands of civilians, men women and children, Confederate officers, family and friends.”

Picture Perfect gallery & framing has Last Tribute of Respect in it’s large stock of Civil War Art prints.

For a bridal shower or reception line up any of several styles in a row (uneven numbers are best) on long table and intertwine with luscious mini pearls by the yard. Small silk flowers sprinkled along the length of the table can add color or drama. Mix in sparkling confetti for glitz.

Set a romantic mood at Christmas. Wrap Christmas garland around the base of one or more candles. Intertwine a garland through the open bases of several candles in a row. Set a silk candle ring around the base for a festive look. If your candle has a glass chimney, stuff a string of mini-lights in the base for extra twinkle.

A summer get-together will look more special with a collection of glass candles on the food table. Surround with sand, sea shells, pebbles, or colorful flower petals.

Colored oils can be mixed to create colors just right for the occasion. Try a deep orange for Halloween or Thanksgiving; burgundy or royal blue for Christmas; violet for Easter; light blue for a summer BBQ; or use red & blue for the Fourth of July.

Picture Perfect gallery & framing has a variety of Glass Candles that are handcrafted in the USA, perfect for decorating your home.

For outdoor scenes, start with the 2 or 3 Snow Trees; the Wrought Iron or White Picket Fences; Lamp Post; or the Door. 

A small oval or round mirror placemat, or a larger mirror tile, can mimic an icy pond.  Use polyester quilt batting for snow.

Remember to vary the heights of your Carolers.  Angle carolers toward each other, as if in conversation.  Turning up a coat tail gives the appearance of wind blowing and adds motion to the display.

Look closely at the vignettes featured here as starters.�
To see more display ideas CLICK HERE. 

We welcome your call if you have any questions about what you see.  We are always available to talk with you – in person – Monday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm CDT.  Just call toll-free- 1-888-749-7373.

My husband Ken and I proposed a special “Mark Twain Caroler” to the Byers’ Choice Company as part of The Year of Twain 2010 Celebration in Hannibal, Missouri.

In our proposal we described Mark Twain; envisioning the white suit, curly white hair, moustache, and signature pipe. We also mentioned the anniversary of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Joyce Byers has exactly reproduced the book cover in miniature. Joyce got it right, down to the finest detail. Ken & I were so excited when we saw the prototype.

Byers’ Choice doesn’t do very many exclusive editions in a year. And it usually takes a couple years to bring a new caroler to market. But they created this one in a relatively short time, just for us. We feel honored. We are especially pleased that the Carolers are handcrafted in America.

Picture Perfect gallery & framing has been dealers for Byers Choice Carolers for 6 years. We are one of the largest dealers in the Midwest.

We will be shipping this Caroler all over North America. Anytime we send Mark Twain out it is reminding people of Hannibal, its interesting history, and all the fun things to do here in America’s Home Town.

Jeff Byers, President of Byers Choice commented “The Byers Choice Family is happy to work with Picture Perfect gallery & framing in bringing Mark Twain to life in Caroler form.”

Picture Perfect gallery & framing is making a special gift with purchase available. You will receive a FREE copy of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” along with each Mark Twain Caroler that is purchased this year. This offer is made compliments of the Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau,

For more information about Hannibal check out their website: http://visithannibal.com/

The year 2010 commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Birth of Samuel Langhorne Clemens; the 125th anniversary of the pinnacle work of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; and the 100th anniversary of the death of Mark Twain/ Samuel Clemens. Twain’s boyhood home was in the small rural town of Hannibal, Missouri, but he went on to become the most beloved author worldwide.

For more information about events planned for the Year of Twain 2010 visit: http://www.twain2010.org/ .

A New Year’s Wish

For over 30 years American artist John Paul Strain has been amazing art collectors with his unique talent of capturing moments in time from the early days of the American Frontier, the glory and pageantry of the American Civil War, to contemporary scenic and romantic locations across the world.

From the early age of 21, Mr. Strain’s paintings were represented by Trailside Galleries, America’s most prestigious western art gallery.  For 15 years his beautiful landscapes, wild life paintings, and depictions of Indian life were represented by most every major western art gallery and top art auctions in the United States.

In 1991 Mr. Strain broadened his subjects to include historical art of  the American Civil War.  During the next 17 years Mr. Strain focused his work on the world of daring horseback raids and epic battles with great armies and leaders, capturing and preserving a unique era in history.  Over a period of years, Mr. Strain became known as America’s leading historical artist, with over 50 magazine covers featuring his paintings.   His work is featured in books, movies, and film.  Mr. Strain’s book, “A Witness to the Civil War” released in November 2002 was a Civil War art best seller for his publisher and quickly sold out of it’s first printing.  The book is unusual among art books in that it is written by the artist.  The Scholastic Resources Company purchased over 3 thousand copies of the edition for school libraries across the US.  His new book is scheduled to be released in 2009.  Strain’s paintings have helped to raise funds for many historical restoration projects and battlefield preservation organizations.  The National Park Service uses his images in their publications and at battlefield sites.  A number of historical private institutions have on site displays featuring his work such as General JEB Stuart’s home and estate, and General Jubal Early’s boyhood home.

Mr. Strain and his paintings were also featured on the television shows of C-Span’s Washington Journal, The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition.  Throughout his career he has won many awards for his art.  Reproductions of his work have won numerous 1^st place awards and “Best of Show” honors, such as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, and just recently at the PIAG 2008 Awards in Georgia, he won the Top Gold Award for his painting “New Year’s Wish”, and Best Of Category Giclée for “Fire In the Sky”. Strain is also a featured artist for internationally know collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint, where he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate series, sculptures, and many other collectable items featuring his paintings.  Mr. Strain has also completed a number of commissioned works for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Washington D.C., and the battlefield visitor’s center at Normandy, France.  Today, Mr. Strain’s original paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of Fredericksburg, South Georgia Relics Museum, and at Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello.  His work is included in many private fine art collections, corporate collections, and is owned by dignitaries such as United States Senators, Congressmen and a number of State Governors.

Angel of Maryes Heights

He’s the premier historical artist in America – and now he focuses mainly on the American Civil War. When Mort Künstler began his current emphasis on Civil War art in the early 1980s, he had already accomplished more than a half-dozen artists could hope to accomplish in a collective lifetime. From portraits of prehistoric American life to the odyssey of the space shuttle, Mort Künstler had painted America’s story – and was already renowned as “the premier historical artist in America.” When he placed his focus on Civil War art, Mr. Künstler quickly established himself as the country’s most-collected Civil War artist, and earned unprecedented acclaim within the genre of Civil War art.

“Mort Künstler is the foremost Civil War artist of our time — if not of all time,” says Dr. James I. Robertson Jr., the dean of Civil War historians and the author of the celebrated biography, Stonewall Jackson. “To study his paintings,” says Robertson, “is to simply see history alive.” Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson concurs. “Of all the artists working in the Civil War field,” he observes, “none captures the human element, the aura of leadership, the sense of being there and sharing in the drama, quite like Mort Künstler. He has that enviable talent of being able to re-create history on canvas and to translate events into art.”

Mr. Künstler’s talent and training were nurtured from an early age. After studying art at Brooklyn College, U.C.L.A. and Pratt Institute, he became a successful illustrator in New York where he received assignments from book and magazine publishers. An important part of his training resulted from his affiliation with National Geographic Magazine. It was through their assignments of historical subject matter that he learned the value of working with historians so that accuracy was firmly imbued into his concept.

In 1982, a commission from CBS-TV to do a painting for the mini-series, The Blue and the Gray directed Mr. Künstler’s interest towards the Civil War. Although the research was painstaking, he devoted much time to making sure that his painting The High Water Mark was meticulously correct. The painting was unveiled at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum on July 2, 1988 in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the battle. Since then, Mr. Künstler has been concentrating on Civil War subject matter.

Mr. Künstler was selected as the Official Artist of the Ohio State Bicentennial, and his painting of General John Hunt Morgan’s raid through Ohio was featured in a long-term exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Mr. Künstler continues to participate in a variety of charitable causes that are close to his heart. In 2001, following America’s 9-11 tragedy, he contributed one of his most popular limited edition prints – “Old Glory” – for a fund-raiser by the American Red Cross. The non-profit program raised more than $150,000 for the Red Cross to use on behalf of the victims of the 9-11 attack. He continues to provide art and assistance to Timber Ridge School – a residency academy for special students in Winchester, Virginia. In 2003, a residence hall at the school was named Mort Künstler Hall in his honor.

In 2001, Mr. Künstler was named the official artist for the motion picture Gods and Generals, and in 2002 Greenwich Workshop Press published his newest book: Gods and Generals: The Paintings of Mort Künstler. He also served as a consultant for the heralded Ron Maxwell motion picture, Gods and Generals, and his art publisher, American Spirit Publishing, released a series of historical Civil War limited edition prints of key historical events on which the motion picture was based.

Mr. Künstler has also been named as an Official Artist for the H.L. Hunley, and unveiled a new painting of the H.L. Hunley during ceremonies in Charleston, South Carolina on April 17-18, 2004. He was commissioned to design and furnish all the artwork for the Middletown, Ohio Veterans Memorial, which was unveiled on July 4, 2004.

Probably no other artist in our nation’s history has recorded so many events in American history and certainly no one has painted them with the extraordinary authenticity and drama as Mort Künstler. Mort Künstler is America’s artist.

Extend the display seasons for your Byers Choice Carolers. This Colonial Harvest Man is ideal to display from September through Thanksgiving, as a reminder of the bountiful autumn season. He adds a lovely touch to seasonal décor. Try pairing him with the Colonial Harvest Woman and with the Colonial Harvest Girl & Boy for an entire family unit. The Harvest Fence makes a great background and the Harvest Wheelbarrow finishes the scene.

The Colonial Harvest Carolers are all handcrafted in the America. Made of wire and cloth stuffed bodies, even the faces are hand sculpted and hand painted. Each one unique.

Hello. My name is Judy and I am a 6 year breast cancer survivor. When I was diagnosed, several women appeared at different times encouraging me with their survival stories. One was a 5 years survivor, one a 9 year, yet another 12 years. I received the most hope from some women who were 25 year survivors. My strength came from sharing with others.

If you know of someone who is diagnosed with Breast Cancer, please contact me. I will be glad to send encouragement to her, or him (yes, men do get breast cancer too.) And I will be glad to share tips that your doctor will never tell you about preventing or minimizing skin burn during the radiation process.

This Pink Ribbon Caroler is near to my heart. Byer’s Choice company is giving a portion of the sale of this Caroler to raise Breast Cancer Awareness. But Picture Perfect gallery & framing is going a step beyond that & will give a portion of our own sales of the Pink Ribbon Caroler to Breast Cancer Research. That is double value for your purchase.

Visit my website to see all of the Byer’s Choice Carolers.

If the cheeks on your Caroler fade, apply some powder blush with a soft cotton-tipped applicator. A faded lip can be touched up with a natural-looking shade of nail polish. A small chip on the base can be smoothed with a nail file and colored in with a dark green felt-tip marker. Likewise, a scuffed shoe can be polished with a black marker.

A little hairspray can calm a frizzy hairdo, and a hand-held clothes steamer is great for taking the wrinkles out of a skirt, jacket or paper scroll. To curl a paper scroll, roll the ends around a pencil. A lint brush or the baseboard attachment of your vacuum cleaner is useful in removing loose fur and dust from clothing. A very soft, pliable dry sponge is also helpful. A small, soft cosmetic brush can be used to dust off the face, hair and base. Adhesive tape dabbed gently against felt clothing will remove loose fluff.

Many accessories that become unattached can be fixed by applying a small amount of white craft glue.

Storage:

When storing your Byer’s Choice Carolers, avoid damp areas. High humidity can cause metal parts (such as the frame) to rust or mold to grow on some fabric. If a Byer’s Caroler should get wet, quickly blot the excess water with a clean towel and dry with a hand-held blow dryer set on low.

Your dog or cat may be attracted to the fur used in dressing the Carolers. Pets have been known to completely devour a Caroler, leaving behind broken fragments of the head and base. So make sure your Carolers are out of the way of these potential mischief-makers.

Beware of mice! The felt and tissue paper used in the construction of the Carolers makes great nest material. Wrap your Carolers in tissue paper and add a few mothballs to the packing box to help keep pests away. Avoid storing Carolers in Cedar; it has been known to dissolve the paint on their faces.

Avoid bright sunlight when choosing where to display your Byer’s Choice Carolers. Prolonged exposure will fade the clothing and face paint.