Once Upon a Time – 24×48 Original Oil Painting on Canvas by Gail Chandler
A Storybook-Inspired Original Oil Painting
Step Into Storybook Magic
Experience the enchantment of Once Upon a Time, a stunning original oil painting by acclaimed contemporary realism artist Gail Chandler. This extraordinary work celebrates classic fairytales in rich detail, capturing the timeless allure of beloved literary treasures long before they inspired iconic films.
Once Upon a Time” is a 24″ × 48″ original oil painting on canvas by contemporary realism artist Gail Chandler. This striking fine art piece celebrates classic fairytale literature through richly detailed book spines and luminous color. Gallery-wrapped with 1.5″ depth stretcher bars and painted black sides, it arrives ready to hang unframed — or frame to suit your space.
Key Features
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Original oil painting on canvas
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Size: 24″ × 48″ (wide landscape format)
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Gallery-wrapped with 1.5″ painted black edges
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Ready to hang unframed or styled with custom framing
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Perfect for living room, library, or office décor
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Ideal for collectors of contemporary realism and literary themes
🎨 Artwork Details & Specifications
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Title: Once Upon a Time
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Artist: Gail Chandler
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Medium: 24" × 48" Original Oil on Canvas
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Style: Contemporary Realism
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Depth: 1.5" stretcher bars with painted black sides — arrives ready to hang unframed or styled with your custom frame.
This captivating composition showcases a curated collection of classic storybooks — each spine meticulously painted to bring color, texture, and narrative depth into your space.
📚 Classic Fairytales Brought to Life on Canvas
Chandler’s masterful brushwork celebrates beloved tales, including:
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Snow White (Brothers Grimm)
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Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
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Cinderella (Charles Perrault)
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The Jungle Book (Rudyard Kipling)
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The Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Andersen)
…and many more. Each book spine includes publication dates and corresponding film release years, blending art and storytelling in a unique visual tribute.
🖼️ Ready-to-Hang Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
This piece arrives on gallery-wrapped canvas with 1.5" depth stretcher bars and painted black sides, making it ready to hang immediately — no frame required. Its bold edges also provide an ideal foundation for optional framing to complement your décor and elevate its presentation.
🏡 Bring Storybook Magic Home
Secure this original Gail Chandler oil painting — sized perfectly for wall art collections. Add to cart now to enjoy ready-to-hang contemporary realism art.
🛍️ Additional Details
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Available as the original oil painting
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Also offered as giclée on canvas in multiple sizes: View the giclée on canvas!
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Once Upon a Time invites nostalgia and imagination into your space.
🎥 Watch the artist discuss the inspiration and concept behind Once Upon a Time, and discover the stories that shaped this original oil painting.
🎨 View the artistic progression of Once Upon a Time in this behind-the-scenes video, from early stages to the finished original oil painting.
About the Artist – Gail Chandler | Contemporary Realism
Gail Chandler (b. 1955) is an internationally collected contemporary realism artist celebrated for her extraordinary attention to detail and her ability to transform everyday objects into richly layered visual stories. Working primarily in oil, Chandler’s paintings invite viewers to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the beauty hidden within familiar subjects.
Her work is known for its luminous color, impeccable realism, and narrative depth. Whether painting stacks of well-loved books, reflective glassware, or nostalgic objects, Chandler masterfully balances technical precision with emotional warmth. Each composition is thoughtfully arranged, creating a sense of timelessness that resonates with collectors and art lovers alike.
Chandler’s paintings are widely sought after for their ability to evoke memory, imagination, and quiet wonder — making her work a natural fit for collectors who value craftsmanship, storytelling, and enduring artistic quality.

Artist Gail Chandler, contemporary realism oil painter.
*Gail Chandler is available for commissions. Please contact us for more information on the commission process.