Deciding on
the right frame for your artwork seems like it should be a very easy thing to
do, that is, until you actually find out about all of the different colors,
materials, styles, and other factors that you will have to take into account. Though, this can suddenly seem exceptionally
daunting, with the right professional tips and hints, you can bring pictures
and frames together with confidence and beauty.
Ask
yourself what pictures you will be putting into frames
The item to
be framed makes a big difference as to the treatment decisions you will be
making. Will you be working with an autographed photo? A canvas painting? A
child’s watercolor? Your answer to that
question will be very important to being able to narrow down your options from
virtually limitless choices.
Have a look
at the piece and consider the design of it. Pay attention to the type of statement that you feel it is making, as
well as the colors within the piece. If
you are not sure which direction to take, then find a mat board in a high
quality white or cream and use a neutral shade of metal or basic wood
frame. The simplicity and neutral colors
will complement the image but will let the artwork remain the central
focus.
If you have
experience with choosing frames or you’re feeling a bit daring, you can select
colored mats and/or frames. Color can
change the entire mood of the picture, from calming to exciting, and can
influence the “season” of the picture, from winter to summer.
Decide
where you will be displaying your pictures in their new frames
Consider
where you will be placing your pictures on display. Will it be part of your living room’s
contemporary décor? Is it going to be a
part of a gallery-style display? Will it
be a focal piece in a professional office?
From art galleries, to residential rooms or commercial spaces, you must
think about the surroundings of the piece as much as the pictures themselves as
you choose mats and frames.
Framing for
galleries or gallery-style spaces is both neutral and economical, so the
pictures are always the main focus. If you tend to move a lot or if you like to
rotate your art collection, this may your best direction.
Consider the style of the art itself
Different
styles of art require different framing treatments to make sure that their
designs and themes are complementary to one another.
For example,
a contemporary silkscreen is has the ability to handle simple yet bold shapes
and high gloss textures. Equally,
though, a delicate landscape painting may be most suited to classic, simple,
treatments with gorgeous mat boards in 8 ply or acid free rag, within a gilded
or beeswax finish frame.
How
big is the art
Just because
the picture is a certain size, it does not mean that you need to maintain its
original proportions. With the right
framing techniques, you can make a small piece much larger, or can limit the
size of a large painting.
Smaller
pictures can be placed into small frames if they will be displayed on shelves,
tables, or desks. If you would like to
display a small picture on a wall, play with the mat board borders and create a
statement piece! Thinking about adding 6”, 8” or even 10” borders to small
pictures to make them large.
Equally, you
can change the impact of a larger artwork by using narrower mats, or – after a
certain size – no mat at all. Keep in
mind that the width of the frame will also alter the size and effect of a
larger painting. Rule of thumb: Make sure the mat and frame are not equal
widths.
Select
the right type of frame
When you think
about the actual frame that will be appropriate for your piece of artwork,
avoid overwhelming yourself by breaking down your choice into categories,
starting with the material. The two
primary choices are metals and solid woods.
Next, you can further refine your selection within those categories based on other important issues, including prices that will fit within your budget and eco-friendliness. Aluminum is a material that is inexpensive and infinitely recyclable. Natural woods tend to lend warmth and texture to the frame treatment. Again, this decision is purely a matter of personal taste.
Next, you can further refine your selection within those categories based on other important issues, including prices that will fit within your budget and eco-friendliness. Aluminum is a material that is inexpensive and infinitely recyclable. Natural woods tend to lend warmth and texture to the frame treatment. Again, this decision is purely a matter of personal taste.
Also consider
the inside (rabbet) depth of the frame. If you’re framing a canvas that is 1”
deep, the inside depth of its frame needs to be at least 1 1/8”. Make sense?
Ask yourself how long the framing treatment
will be used
Will you be
framing pictures for a specific event, such as a wedding or a retirement,
adding a painting to décor you would likely be changing in five years, or will you
be keeping the artwork just as it is for the next half a century?
Make sure you
select the right materials for your artwork.
Less important work such as posters and other reproductions that are
unsigned won’t require the higher end acid-free, archival quality picture
framing materials such as mat boards, backing boards, and glazing. Use your
budget wisely!
Use
the internet to help play with design options
Use online
tools to help you visualize how the final result will look. Use American Frame as a resource. They feature an online design
tool will show you a mock up of the way the frame treatment looks, including
the colors, sizes, and materials of the, mats, and frames. Taking this additional step will not only
help you to make sure that you know just how your framed artwork will appear,
but it will also help you to stay within your budget since it provides
immediate feedback on pricing as you play with materials.
Be
Confident and Enjoy!
Remember that
the custom framing is for your own pictures. Trust yourself and your own personal taste
and have confidence in the choices you make.
About the Author
Laura Jajko is VP of Sales and Marketing at American Frame, an online picture framing resource for artists, photographers and DIY decorators. She and her team recently authored “DIY Framing FunDaMentals” dedicated to teaching the art of custom picture framing.
About Guest Blogger?
This post is written by a guest contributor. Read details as stated above. If you would like to guest post for Pa Ul, read Want To Guest Post? about how YOU can share your interesting creative thoughts of ideas to our viewers and readers. Also this post is included in the giveaway promo, read Want a Giveaway? to join.
Laura Jajko is VP of Sales and Marketing at American Frame, an online picture framing resource for artists, photographers and DIY decorators. She and her team recently authored “DIY Framing FunDaMentals” dedicated to teaching the art of custom picture framing.
This post is written by a guest contributor. Read details as stated above. If you would like to guest post for Pa Ul, read Want To Guest Post? about how YOU can share your interesting creative thoughts of ideas to our viewers and readers. Also this post is included in the giveaway promo, read Want a Giveaway? to join.
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