gRAPHICaNATOMY

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Framing Your Artwork

I have worked as a custom framer/ archivist for several years and here are a few notes to keep in mind for frames.

Decide where you want to hang this piece.
It helps to visualize where this piece will end up when deciding on how to frame it.
Framing not only offers protection for the artwork but provides a visual transition between the work and the room it is in.

Frames:
Is the space more rustic/ country/ coastal?
You will probably want to go with a frame of weathered or distressed wood.

Is the space more modern/ contemporary/ cosmopolitan?
Then consider frames with sharp corners and straight lines. Metal frames work well in this environment.

Is the space more Victorian/ regency/ traditional?
Then the classical fancy gilded museum frames may be a good choice.

Matting:
Drawings or any works on paper usually have a matt board border. This first and foremost protects the artwork. You usually do not want the glass of the frame to rest directly onto your artwork. The color and texture of the matt helps provide a transition from artwork to wall. It can also help to emphasize or bring out certain aspects of the artwork.
A general rule of thumb is the color of the matt is determined by the 3^rd most dominant color in the work. If any one color seems overwhelming or under whelming you can stack 2 or 3 matts of analogous colors. Stacking mats in this way does make the art seem for grand and offers more protection for the art.

Glass:
Try to use a glass with a UV coating to prevent light damage. Non- glare glass is always nicer (but often more expensive). For very large pieces, consider Acrylic plexiglass. It is lighter than regular glass and far less breakable.

Visual Rhythm:
A little trick that makes the artwork always pleasing to look at is setting up a visual rhythm from artwork to walls. If your walls are a dark color use a light colored frame, then a dark, light, dark matt to the artwork.
Light colored walls? Use a dark frame, then light matts, alternating light then dark until you get to the artwork.
Using all dark colors or all light colors often seems overwhelming and can fatigue the eye.

A certified custom framer should be able to help you make these decisions and create a piece using all high quality archival (acid free) materials. Custom framing can be a bit of a a monetary investment. Large chain stores like Michaels/ Aaron brothers offer sales & coupons, but also great deals can be had at small local business framers as well.

Enjoy your artwork.  

posted by Unknown  # 10:37 AM 0 Comments

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