Doylestown artist focused on Bucks

David L. Frame, 72, of Doylestown, a gallery owner and an artist whose drawings and paintings celebrate his adopted hometown, died of cancer Jan. 21 at Doylestown Hospital.

Mr. Frame moved to Bucks County in 1971 and opened a gallery and frame shop in Doylestown in 1973.

He quickly recognized the region's beauty and rich artistic history, said a friend, Larry Woodson, and his prints of county landscapes and of a series of eight pencil drawings of Doylestown landmarks were popular with visitors to the gallery.

Mr. Frame, who was considered an impressionist, told a reporter in 2004 that he didn't wanted the pencil sketches to be "too tight, too literal and too cold."

"I found that the more I loosened up, the more interesting the drawings became."

During the last 11 years, Mr. Frame painted 50 magazine covers for Bucks County Town and Country Living and became its artist-in-residence.

In addition to his well-known Bucks County art, Mr. Frame painted portraits and a series of New Jersey lighthouses; drew ballerinas in classic poses; and experimented with abstract compositions.

His work has been exhibited in Paris and New York and is owned by museums and corporate and private collectors.

Mr. Frame contributed art to raise money for the Heritage Conservancy in Bucks County and for the Bucks County Historical Society, and opened his studio for children's workshops.

In 1990, he conceived a promotional project for Doylestown. A photographer took 500 photos of residents and posted them in local businesses. People who identified themselves received a prize and were eligible for a $5,000 grand-prize drawing.

In 1998, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce honored Mr. Frame for his service and commitment to the community.

Mr. Frame grew up in West Virginia and Ohio. At 17, he left home to explore the country. His professional career began in Chicago, where he worked as an illustrator and as a window designer for the Marshall Fields department store.

In 1957, he moved to New Orleans, where he was a freelance window designer and designed Mardi Gras costumes and floats. On weekends he did pastel portraits and watercolor street scenes at Jackson Square in the French Quarter, developing the confidence to become a fine artist, said his wife, Paula Elder Frame.

From 1960 to 1962, Mr. Frame served in the Army. While stationed in South Korea, he drew local people and supervised a craft shop for U.S. soldiers.

After his discharge, he traveled in Arizona and Colorado before moving back to Ohio. There he met his future wife at a bowling alley. They married in 1967 and moved to Bedford, Pa., where Mr. Frame was a disc jockey. He then worked for an advertising agency in Blair County, Pa., before moving to Doylestown.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Frame is survived by a son, David Jr.; two brothers; a sister; and a grandson.

A celebration of his life and work will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Doylestown Hospital Hospice, Development Office, 595 W. State St., Doylestown, Pa. 18901.