A Guide to Framing Art
A problem for artists and buyers alike when it comes to framing is the art of framing art.
It sounds strange I know but many of us take for granted the way paintings and photos we pass day to day have been framed, and in the case of both exclusive art and high street prints, the amount of thought an individual may have put in to achieve a perfect framing finish.
In this week’s blog we have put together a list of things to think about when framing your art.
It’s Just a Picture Frame…
This is a mentality a lot of us can get into after all, the frame isn’t what you wish to be the centre of attention or draw the eye. You want your picture to be the focal point.
However we often overlook how a frame can actually accentuate key features of a picture and complement it. For example if you put a traditional style frame on a modern picture chances are your print will look a bit out of sync. However team an antique frame with a traditional style landscape and you’ll have a lot more continuity and clear style.
Also as well as aligning time/traditionality to your picture also look to either match or clash colours. Look through your piece, are there any key colour themes, and if there are do you wish to make them stand out in contrast to your frame or alternatively match the frame to the colours to make them appear more as one (If you want your frame to disappear, however, match the colour to your wall).
When you begin thinking about framing your work it’s important to consider the colour and style, and whether you wish to make your frame equally as seen/regarded as your art.
The Value of a Frame
For those of you looking to frame your art to sell, consider the aesthetic value the frame can add to your piece on display. Don’t get hung up on picking a frame for your piece which everyone will love and want in their home, after all, frames can be changed. Focus upon highlighting key features of your art.
People want to visualise how pictures, whether a painting, print or photo could be displayed in their homes. Consider a frame as not only reinforcing style but also completing the look.
Be Protective
It’s not all about value in terms of looks, picture frames are also a key component of protecting a piece of work.
The likes of dust and dirt getting onto your artwork and causing damage, as well as scratches can be prevented by using a picture frame.
Picture Mounting
Picture mounts are a great idea for a valued/treasured piece of art. Separating the frame and picture they offer extra protection not only from the rubbing of the frame on the picture but also help to further protect against dust & condensation.
Since the development of more modern framing materials, there is now a wealth of different levels of protection in picture mounts. The Fine Art Guild provides a scale for the level of protection offered by a mount ranging from Budget to Museum level protection.
Museum level mounts offer the highest level of protection. As well as providing the standard gap between frame and art they also have a non-acidic surface and consists of lignen free cotton fibre so they’re ideal for all those most precious and prized possessions.
Glass vs. Plexiglass
The front covering of either glass or acrylic/Plexiglas helps to keep away any air, pollution or moisture that could cause damage or decrease the lifespan of your work. Not only this but both forms have some UV protection helping to prevent deterioration however art should never be placed in direct sunlight.
For a guide to choosing the perfect glazing have a read of our Plexiglass versus Glass blog.
When framing remember it’s not all about increasing & accentuating beauty in your piece of art, it’s also about protecting. Whether you are looking to display in a gallery, at home or looking to sell, always consider the benefits of using a picture frame and take advantage of the levels of customisation and styles available to find the right framing finish.
Here at Picture Frames Express we offer both glass and Plexiglass in our huge range of frame styles and are also proud to be associated with the Fine Art Guild.
For more tips on picking the perfect frame including a guide to frame sizing please visit our Information Centre.
