After I painted one Frog, I decided to paint this one. Truth be told, I actually painted a Frog before the one listed in January 2024 as the 1st painted Frog. However, the very 1st painted Frog of January 2024 is really the first Frog that I painted in a way such as to make the Frog a painting. This Frog here, it was a boring color of paint before I repainted it.
When I first made this Frog, and it was a few years ago, it was made out of steel, a departure from coper. Actually, it is the first and only Frog I made out of steel. It is actually very sturdy, even sturdier that my copper Frogs. That's because the sheet steel that I used to make it was thick. Plus, steel is a very strong metal to begin with. I know, I know. It rusts. That's why I painted it.
If you put this outside, you will have to wax it every year to help seal it. Although, the layers or paint and sealant already on it are thick. So, at least the first few years, you might not see any rust at all, even for five or so years. But the interior of the sculpture, that's another matter. That's why this is better an inside piece. Also, I like what I did with the paint on it, and it would be sad to lose some of that. Although, it might be an interesting experiment to leave it outside for a year or so and see what that does.
The wonderful texture I have achieved here is partly by applying sand. The way I did this, I began with making a very textural surface. Then, over the top of that, I painted a design that is, well, flat or slick - the black design. I wasn't happy enough just with the pink texture. I had to make it more interesting. I achieved that.
So, this is the 1st and probably only Frog this size that I made out of steel, and probably the only one I will ever make that way. It looks significantly different from my usual copper frogs. I like it very much for that. It has rather a Tin Man look to it. A wacky Tin Man, to be sure.
So, the 1st Frog this size I made out of steel, and the 2nd Frog I painted like a painting. How about that? It's a special Frog. Be that as it may, I have priced it very modestly. I know it's valuable. But the world has yet to find that out. Thus, the price is modest in recognition of that sad fact. My loss is your gain. But, believe me, I would be happy for the person who gets it.
Height: 34" Width: 22" Depth: 13"
Polyurethane and oil over shaped and welded steel. Stainless steel base on a thick wood base, polyurethaned and painted. Made by hand, by me, Beau Smith. January 2024.
Signed and dated.
Shipping is included in the price. (Shipping will cost me probably around $500 for a piece this size.)
