Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day-Old Art? Day-Old Art is the work of artist Melvin Hale — historic black-and-white photographs, postcards, posters, and rare book illustrations that are colorized, restored, or remastered into vibrant, gallery-ready pieces. Some pieces are single historic photos brought to life in color for the first time; others merge multiple vintage images or reproduce rare 19th-century chromolithograph book plates that have been meticulously restored.

Is this AI-generated art? No. Each piece is hand-colorized or remastered, and researched by Melvin Hale, often drawing on the original photo's documented history — the people, places, and events pictured — rather than a filter or automated process.

How historically accurate are the pieces? Melvin researches the people, places, and dates behind each photo where that history is known.

What is ArtistLA.com? ArtistLA.com is Melvin's original website which catalogs his colorized work. It contains far more artwork than is posted in DayOldArt.com. Any artwork found at ArtistLA.com is available by special order at the same relative price based on size. To place such an order use chat or email the artist directly. An order form will be created here for the purchase.

 Originals vs. Limited Editions

 What's the difference between "Glazed Art on Board" and everything else? The Glazed Art on Board pieces are canvas prints fastened to the board and coated in crystal clear glossy epoxy resin. Some are originals and others are reproductions. The listing provides that information. The African Americana and Stretched Canvas Art collections offer stretched canvas over wide deluxe stretcher bars that are ready-to-hang. Sizes are approximate, generally governed by the aspect ratio of the image (12x19, 40x24, 50x30, 60x40), and are sold with or without the resin glaze finish. As with the cradleboards, some are originals and some are reproductions. Limited additions are called artist proofs and have a number after the signature, such as A/P #X/125 or A/P #X/50 Originals have no numbers after the artist signature. Artist proofs may present slight differences from originals. Customers may request custom colors which result in an original. Complete information about the art is printed on the back of the canvas.

 How many editions are made of each piece? Cradleboards come in an edition size of 125. Stretched canvas art comes in an edition size of 50.

 Do the originals come with a certificate of authenticity? Yes. A signed certificate of authenticity is provided with originals; however, the printed information on the back of all stretched canvas art serves a similar purpose.

 Sizing & Materials

What sizes are available? Cradleboards: 12x19 glazed. Stretched canvas art: 40x24, 50x30, and 60x40, in standard or glazed finish.

What is the glaze finish? A high-gloss epoxy resin coating applied over the canvas or board, giving the piece a polished, dimensional look.

How do I care for a glazed piece? Epoxy resin shouldn't be cleaned with ammonia-based glass cleaners or exposed to prolonged heat. Although canvas prints are produced on fade-resistant archival media, it is not a good idea to have artwork exposed to direct, prolonged sunlight.

Do the canvas pieces come ready to hang? All of the art comes ready-to-hang and does not require additional framing. If framing is desired, that can be accommodated.

 Ordering & Customization

 Can I have my own photos colorized like this?  Yes. By commission. Contact the artist.

Do you offer trade pricing for interior designers or hospitality buyers? Yes. Contact the artist.

What payment methods do you accept? The Shopify platform supports American Express, Apple Pay, Diners Club, Discover, Google Pay, Mastercard, PayPal, Shop Pay, Venmo, and Visa.

 Shipping & Delivery

 How is artwork packaged and shipped? Shipping for cradleboards to the US and Canada is included in the price, unless otherwise stated. Shipping for stretched art is applied at checkout. Art can be shipped rolled by special order. It is best to contact the artist by chat or email for special orders. Depending on the order, it may take up to three weeks to process and ship. Customers can choose the delivery schedule.

Do you ship internationally? Yes. This would be considered a special order, and the buyer should contact the artist for price and delivery details.

How long does an order take to arrive? Delivery time will vary based on the availability of stock. If the art exists in the inventory, it will typically ship within 3 days.

 Returns & Guarantee

 What if I'm not happy with my piece? Art which arrives damaged can be returned within 14 days and will be replaced, whether original or limited edition. Buyer pays for return shipping.

 Recognition

 Has this work been recognized or exhibited? Yes. Melvin's art was exhibited in his own gallery in Palm Springs, California for several years, and in galleries in San Luis Obispo and Las Vegas. In 2007, three pieces — Chi Chi and Cubana, Radio-City Hollywoodland, and The Rossmore Hotel — won awards at the California State Fair Fine Art Competition, including a Crystal Award of Excellence, an achievement the Fine Art Exhibit Supervisor called rare for a single artist. In 2008, Melvin was one of four artists worldwide selected as a "Trendsetter and Emerging Artist" by Art Business News magazine for its 30th Anniversary issue. See the full Awards and Reviews page for details and testimonials. Since then, it has received numerous awards and critical acclaim.

Can I see this art in real homes before I buy? Yes — see Customer's Art for photos of collectors' pieces installed in their own spaces. Examples of art on the wall is provided on the product page in the African Americana Collection and the Stretched Art Collection.

 The Book

 What is "The Colorizing Pro"? Melvin's 2026 coffee table art book pairs his colorization and restoration work with a theory of visual cognition. This theory earned Melvin a doctorate at UCLA in 2014. The book is available on the site for $125. To check for applicable discounts, contact the artist by chat or email.

 Contact

 How do I get in touch with questions about a specific piece? Use the contact form, or reach out directly at melvinhale@ucla.edu.