The CLF is proud to present for auction this framed 7 1/2 inch by 21 1/2 inch Fraktur style artwork from CLA artist D Sandy Greco. The original work features two birds or "distelfinks" and a butterfly done in the traditional Fraktur style. This is a charming painting and echos those that graced colonial homes.
The term Fraktur describes a form of calligraphy or a font type, but has been extended the colorful floral and figurative drawings and paintings that started as illumination for birth and baptismal certificates and evolved to stand alone illustrations. The Pennsylvania German community developed Fraktur as an art form with some of the earliest work being done by the Ephrata Cloister, a spiritual and creative retreat in Lancaster County in the early 18th century.
Sandy Greco is a European trained artist. She was attracted to Fraktur Art because the patterns and colors reminded her of her father’s work in Sicily as a fine furniture restorer. And the interwoven Pennsylvania Dutch forms are somewhat like the intricate mannerist art patterns she had learned while studying in Palermo. Her husband, Tom Greco, was a great supporter in getting her to undertake this traditional art form.
Rather than “copies” of existing work, Sandy’s creations are based on her own ideas after studying a range of original Pennsylvania Dutch art. This pair of birds is complemented by a traditional Fraktur butterfly shape. Sandy works in gouache and ink on medium weight watercolor paper with an antiqued finish for this work. The colors used represent the original colors aged by the passage of time, a skill she learned from her father. The detail work in the small features of the painting are typical of the best Fraktur work.
Sandy is grateful to the many artists of the CLA who have supported her, especially Lally House who has been a mentor. Fraktur work by Sandy Greco is regularly seen on the CLA for sale site and does not stay up long. Sandy is a loyal supporter of the Live Auction.
This is a charming framed artwork for your home
Sandy Greco’s contact information is:
Flintlock 52@yahoo.com
773 744 5401
