The Art of Framing Art
The wooden frame pairs well with the forest subject matter. The wood is stains a colour that compliments the hues used in the painting.
I love framing artwork! As rudimentary as it seems, the process can be as creative and complicated as the making of the artwork the frame displays. Even when the outcome appears simple and minimalistic, a lot of thought can be put into the materials, colours, and matting used. Framing artwork often feels like an epilogue of the artwork’s journey to completion. It is a step that isn’t necessary, but when done right can greatly serve the artwork it displays.
Some frames become an extension of the artwork by pulling the piece beyond the boundaries of the canvas. Paradoxically allowing the creation to overflow and be contained for the viewer simultaneously. Conversely, some frames are innocuous, blending into the background while creating a spotlight for only the work itself to shine. Even the most minimalist of display choices may be the result of extensive thought regarding how it will affect the overall viewing experience.
The simple frame and white matting adds a visual spotlight this busy marker painting. Because the frame is the same honey colour as the wood in the artwork, a third dimension is created when viewing the work - as if you looking at the scene through a window in space.
STYLES
The decisions differ from piece to piece. But typically, I will start by considering the artwork as whole. What is the overall colour scheme? How busy or minimalist is the image? What is the general content of the artwork? What mood do I want to convey? Where will the artwork be displayed? The answers to these questions help guide my decisions.
Antique frames with gold accents and ornate carvings are great for artworks with a vintage or fancy vibe. These frames remind me of the kind you see in art museums. The elegant details often found with this style of framing tends to add prestige not found with contemporary styles.
Simple styles can be very versatile, a credit to their plainness. I like to use simple frames with contemporary style pieces. The minimalist nature allows them to be timeless going forward.
These are just a couple basic examples of framing styles to consider. Sometimes I know immediately how to display artwork. For the times when I am unsure, style is a great starting point. Once I have decided upon a style, I move on to other factors, such as material and colour.
MATERIALS
An example of artwork I framed using a frame and mat set I picked up at my local big box store.
Material choices will often go hand-in-hand with style choices. Images that depict nature or natural subjects, for example, look great in natural materials. I enjoy the look of visible woodgrain alongside a lush forest, as if the tree branches themselves are holding up the artwork. For high-end fine art pieces, I prefer high quality materials. However, I believe it is important to not let a chosen style narrow down my choices. Faux materials are typically more affordable and easier to come by. Weight and size of the artwork and frame can also play a determining role. Lightweight materials mimicking metals or wood are a great alternative for moving and hanging large scale artwork safely. Materials may even be mixed to help achieve the desired appearance.
Along with the frame itself there is also glass and matting. With these items I consider convenience, if the work needs to be protected, and sizing issues. Glass is great for protecting artwork from dust and UV damage. Mat boards allow non-standard sized artworks to fit into larger and standard sized frames. Best of all, glass fitted frames with mat boards are easy to acquire at secondhand shops and big box stores.
The dark colour of the frame adds to the drama created by the painting’s dark background. The swirl and curl details carved into the frame mirror the curvy form of the snake.
COLOUR
Even when the style and materials are all complimentary, poor colour choices can negatively affect the display. Clashing colours can greatly distract from the artwork, or worse, cheapen its quality. The mood of an image can also be altered using colours. Lighter colours tend to give a fresh or delicate vibe, while darker colours give a serious and mysterious tone to the image. Fun can be conveyed with vibrant hues and melancholy can be presented with muted colours.
Experimenting with colour options can be a lot of fun, but sometimes simplicity is best. I’ve found the easiest way of deciding on colours is to pull a neutral colour from the artwork itself and pair it with white matting. Neutrals do not typically distract from the artwork itself and fit into a variety of décor. I find this method is best for artwork I intend to sell or gift away, as I don’t know the décor of where it will be displayed. White mat board always looks crisp and professional, making it the best go-to option if one is needed.
outside the frame
It is not unusual for me to have a bit of a project hangover once I’ve completed an artwork. This can be especially true with long-term pieces. Taking the time to figure out how to frame and display the work helps soften that feeling. It also aids in keeping me from further meddling with the artwork. Some pictures just never feel done, but the framing process helps redirect that destructive energy and brings things to a satisfying conclusion.
Framing is a fun and low-stakes aspect of creating artwork that often goes over looked and even undervalued. Well suited framing allows the effort and hard work put into an artwork to hang proudly on a wall and be seen.