When it comes to framing your artworks, there are many ideas you can follow to have an outstanding result when showcasing them. First of all, framing artworks may seem a little bit confusing, as there are too many options available.
When you are about to go online or visit a crafts store nearby, in search of a perfect frame or looking for ideas about what to do with your beautiful art piece, always have it in mind that the framing materials you opt for will determine the outcome of your artwork.
In this post, you will be introduced to some top ideas by which you can have your fine artwork framed for a unique display during an exhibition or your gallery wall.
Frame An Artwork According To The Medium It Has Been Painted
Before picking a frame for your artwork, consider the media used in painting or drawing it. For some artworks, you can use simple frames to compliment them, while some will require going the extra mile o get the perfect result.
Take the following mediums, for example, Pastels, Charcoal, Colored pencils, Watercolors, Ink, and Pen. Traditionally, pastels and watercolors occupy a photo mounting board or a Matt board just by sitting behind picture glasses with a thin space to reveal the artwork.
This applies to other dry media too. It is a great way of elevating the aesthetic view of your artwork. Since drawing paper or watercolors requires careful handling, for them not to be damaged, they must be protected by mounting a board behind them.
If you are framing your artwork by using photo-mounting boards, you will not need to apply tapes to the frame directly. The glass is also protective enough for the artwork.
The mount is effective in keeping watercolors and pastels from having direct contact with the glass. As direct contact can lead to intensive blemishing of the artwork, which leads to further damage over time. The glass serves as a protective object to the artwork and also makes it look appealing.
However, charcoal artworks, watercolors, and pastels will require the use of thin frames with subtle colors to give them a unique and likable feature.
If your artwork is painted with oil and acrylics, the viscous nature of the paint will cause it to dry up on the surface of the canvas. This means you do not have to protect this type of artwork with a mount board or a glass. They are not susceptible to damage like charcoal, pastels, and watercolors.
Not All Artworks May Require The Use Of Frame
Some fine art printings may not require the use of a frame, and this must be considered. Artworks made on canvases or thick boards can stand out without necessarily attaching frames to them.
Canvases are often enfolded and attached to a strong treated wood that serves as a supportive frame. The framework to which the canvas is attached is thick and allows an artist to express his or herself to the full extent. Painting at the bottom edges, along the sides, and at the top of the canvas.
With this understanding, there is no need for a frame since you will not like the idea of a frame causing an intrusion into your artwork; thereby, spoiling the marvelous effects on all sides.
Is Your Artwork Modern Or Traditional?
This is an important question to ask yourself before setting out to frame any fine artwork. The artistic style can influence your frame and your artwork. For example, a weighty gild frame may not be suitable in ultra-modern glass.
While traditional frames provide the feel of your artwork with classiness, durability, and air of long-lasting protection and timelessness, Modern frames give tidiness and clean lines. They are also suitable for modern styles of artwork.
The Size Of Your Artwork Does Matter
The size of the artwork is very crucial. For your artwork to hang in a small recessed area of a room or in between two household pieces of furniture seamlessly, you should not add a mount to a large frame. This is a bad idea and must be avoided as this can swallow up the entire space.
It could fit the space all right, but it can be unpleasant to have your artwork, which is meant to be the center of attraction tightly enclosed in a small area that will make it difficult for people to see and appreciate its beauty.
You might have observed in so many galleries, whether privately owned or public galleries, the walls of these galleries are made up of non-variable light, neutral and subtle colors. Therefore, it creates room for artwork paintings to be elevated when left hanging on the wall.
The Frame Style Must Not Overwhelm The Artwork
This is another important framing idea to consider. When trying to match a frame to your artwork, be careful not to choose a frame that suffocates the artwork. Frames are supposed to enhance the pieces sitting in them and not the other way round.
Remember that the focus should be solely on the artwork and not the frame so, a bad fame choice can set your artwork off, and all the attention will be drawn away from your painting. Let your frame be suitable enough to draw all focus on the artwork.
Do not just pick a frame because it is the right size, or it looks good to you. Some frames may be too thin or too thick for the particular type of artwork you are trying to showcase. This will look appalling and is capable of ruining the actual effect of your artwork.
Conclusion
The artwork you wish to frame should always be in line with the frame and the story you are trying to tell on your art piece. Some frames may be too intense for your fine artwork and may distract away from the artwork, which is supposed to be the center of attraction.
Do not ever allow the frame to steal the show. Always ensure that during display, people can tell how magnificently your piece stands out. For most artworks done on canvases, you may not need to use any frame. However, where you are likely to use a frame, it must pleasantly accentuate the artwork.