Showing posts with label frame color. Show all posts
Showing posts with label frame color. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

To Frame or Not to Frame?

“To Frame or Not to Frame” That is Only the First Question!

Framing, basically, comes down to choice. But you have to decide whose choice- yours or your customer. Your choice is easy, but how do you choose a frame for the general public? There are some guidelines to choosing a frame for display, considering the presentation is usually what sells the artwork. The frame choice should complement the artwork and not compete with it.

The painting should always be the star of the piece. The style of frame should work with the style of the artwork. A barn wood frame would be suitable for a country landscape, but not a contemporary abstract. A metal frame can look sophisticated and futuristic; while, a plastic frame may seem simple and inexpensive.

Color can be determined quite easily if you are hanging the painting in a room with a particular color scheme. However, choosing something suitable, yet generic, is the best advice when you plan to sell your painting.

Some artists avoid the decision by selling the artwork without a frame and leave the choice to the customer. However, it would probably be a good idea to, at least, display the piece in an attractive frame, even if you intend to sell it without one. This allows the interested party to visualize how it would look on their own wall and possibly seal the deal.

Working in standard sized dimensions means you can probably purchase a pre made frame pretty reasonably. However, when you choose to produce odd sized and shaped artwork you may have to resort to custom framing for your masterpiece, which usually adds to the investment.

Professional custom framing can be expensive and almost always accounts for about 75% of the artworks value. With this in mind, artists have learned to be creative with ways of displaying their art.
Watercolorists and pastel artists normally use framed glass to protect their vulnerable mediums. They usually choose to frame with UV glass that protects the artwork from the sun’s fading power, but can be very expensive.

Other artists, however, choose to mount their watercolors to wooden panels and canvases for displaying without glass. This can save on the expense of framing, but also requires the painting to be treated with acrylic sealers that will protect the surface from dirt and moisture. This technique also changes the look of the artwork, which is not always a desired result.

Oil and acrylic artists, who often use the same styles of frames without glass, have the same dilemma of framing or not framing their artwork. Not framing saves a bundle, but may not suit the artwork, making it look and seem unfinished.

Presentation is everything and this choice can determine whether a painting sells or not. Artists who work predominately with extra deep canvases will usually hang the painting with no frame at all. This is attractive and very acceptable, if the canvases are larger pieces of more than two feet long or wide.

Smaller paintings, typically, need some type of frame to add substance to the artwork.
The option of framing an oil or acrylic painting can become an expensive one, especially, when the canvases are oversized and extra deep. Standard pre-made frames have an average depth capacity of about ¼ in to 1 in. However, back stapled, gallery wrapped canvases are typically 1 ½ in deep, requiring custom framing, which adds to the already costly expense.

The choice is tough, check out a professional, click HERE to contact Sierra Frame Works in Placerville.

Monday, December 5, 2011

How To Determine Mat Border Size

Question: How do I determine my mat border size?

 Answer:  While there is no mathematical equation, a good rule of thumb is to provide enough border to create a smooth transition from the artwork to the frame so as not to lose the picture among the matting.
 Most mats range in width from 1 1/2" for smaller projects (such as an 11" x 14" image) to 4" on projects that measure about 22" x 30". Some people like to make the bottom border a bit larger, to optically-center the artwork.

 This is called "weighting the bottom" and was quite common in previous eras. Like many aesthetic aspects of framing, this, too, is your preference.

Want to learn more, click HERE for Sierra Frameworks

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Mat and Frame Colors?

Q. How should I choose my mat and frame colors?
A. If you need help with your color schemes, a color wheel provides an easy way to see how colors relate to one another. Using one color, with a range of shades, tints and intensity (monochromatic color), is soothing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the wheel (related colors) have a calming effect when the colors are dull or muted. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) create more visual impact because of their obvious differences in hue and intensity. We have hundreds of mat/frame corner samples to assist in finding just the right combination and we are more than happy to help you find which ones you like and work for your environment and artwork. Generally, you'll just know when we find the design that works for you.
We can solve all your framing needs at Sierra Frame Works. http://www.thisismytownusa.com/sierra-frame-works.php

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Have Questions on Picture Framing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Isn't picture framing quite expensive?
 A. This may be true in some cases, but consider that quality custom picture framing will outlast the carpeting and the furniture in your home, as well as all the cars, clothing, sound systems, televisions, Ipods, VCR, cell phones and any kitchen appliances you'll ever purchase. It can pass from generation to generation and still look as good as when you purchased it. A custom picture frame will never lose its value. Keep this in mind if you value the item you would like to have framed. We always offer several framing options that vary in price depending on how much you would like to spend.
Q. Why should I use a mat?
 A. Many people look at mats strictly for their aesthetic qualities, but mats do serve a purpose beyond just looking good. In fact, the primary purpose of a mat is to protect artwork by creating space between the art and the acrylic sheet or glazing for air to circulate, thus protecting the artwork from damage over time. What else do they do? Mats add value to reproductions and suggest importance, indicating the artwork is worth that "little extra touch." Matting helps draw the viewer's eye into the picture while at the same time providing a neutral setting in which the art can be appreciated.
Q. How do I determine my mat border size?
 A. While there is no mathematical equation, a good rule of thumb is to provide enough border to create a smooth transition from the artwork to the frame so as not to lose the picture among the matting. Most mats range in width from 1 1/2" for smaller projects (such as an 11" x 14" image) to 4" on projects that measure about 22" x 30". Some people like to make the bottom border a bit larger, to optically-center the artwork. This is called "weighting the bottom" and was quite common in previous eras. Like many aesthetic aspects of framing, this, too, is your preference.
Q. How should I choose my mat and frame colors?
A. If you need help with your color schemes, a color wheel provides an easy way to see how colors relate to one another. Using one color, with a range of shades, tints and intensity (monochromatic color), is soothing to the eye. Colors next to each other on the wheel (related colors) have a calming effect when the colors are dull or muted. Colors directly across from each other on the wheel (complementary colors) create more visual impact because of their obvious differences in hue and intensity. We have hundreds of mat/frame corner samples to assist in finding just the right combination and we are more than happy to help you find which ones you like and work for your environment and artwork. Generally, you'll just know when we find the design that works for you.