What You Should Know about Framing!!

Framing- it is the final and most beneficial element you can add to your painting. Why do people cheap out and head to Walmart for the $5 special? After all that hard work you need to elevate your art, not 'make do' with an inappropriate wrap around.
Things you should know about frames and presentation...

1. Framing should enhance your picture, not necessarily match your decor. Why? Your decor can change but the painting doesn't. The framing can be updated but that happens usually every 8-10 yrs. so the cost is very little per year.

2. Do not have the liner ( the light colored fabric) and the frame the same size. This creates two solid lines around your work and can be very distracting. Either the liner or the frame is the larger element.

3. Do not put too small a frame on your painting....it will look like it is squeezed into a tight spot and needs to breathe.

4. If you use a liner make sure it is at least 1 1/2 inches wide. The usual in galleries is a 3" mat with a thinner frame, or a 3-6" wooden frame( moulding only) without a liner. This gives 'presence' to your work and helps it stand out on a wall.

5. Floating frames can be metal or wood and provide a clean modern look that does not distract . Not all works look their best in a minimalist frame. Choose a style that is reflected in your work. A classic frame for a classic painting, a modern frame for a modern painting.

6. Dark painting - dark frame...light painting - light frame. This is very general, but it is a good guideline.

7. Plein air frames are wide, at least 3-6" and are gold leaf, silver or solid black. They do not have a liner. They are considered neutral and show off the brushwork and color of outdoor paintings. Since most plein air paintings are small, these wide mouldings help make the art more prominent on a wall. The gold/silver/black colors go with any decor or style.

8. Most standard sized paintings have more inexpensive frames that are ready made. These are the ones I carry or can order. Standard sizes are:
8x10, 11x14, 9x12, 12x16, 14x18, 16x20, 18x24, 20x24. If you paint on odd sized canvas you will have to order a custom frame.

9. Custom frames allow you to pick from a variety of liners ( including black and other colors) and many colored wood and composite frames.

10. Look at gallery framing. Some artists that show in galleries frame all their art in the same or similar way. The framing is usually very neutral to appeal to most buyers. Sometimes the gallery will chose the frame ( because they know the trends and their customers). This is a great place to get ideas and to see what specific frames look like up on a wall.

Framing allows for personal taste, and what some one loves, another doesn't. Remember that presentation is very important and should reflect the quality of the art work! A great frame can make a good piece of art better... a poor frame can make a good piece of art look REAL BAD!!