The Art of Art Framing

The framing of your original artwork, photography, or fine art reproductions should always be viewed as an art in itself. If it's a piece for your home or office, or if it's the first you've acquired or will be added to a larger collection, the framing will play a major role in enhancing the look and the life of your artwork. Here are SEVEN TIPS to keep in mind when framing your artwork ... whether one piece, part of a grouping, a growing collection, or an established one.

ONE

Frame to the piece. Avoid framing to the room. You'll likely change your paint color, update your curtains, buy a new couch, or replace your carpeting. But the artwork you choose to be part of your daily life will endure ... perhaps generationally. So, look at each piece individually and frame to that individual piece.

TWO

Let the artwork keep its leading role. A well-chosen frame will enhance the beauty of your artwork, not distract from it. A frame is at its best when it complements the piece in a strong, yet subtle way. Consider the style of the art. Is it traditional? Contemporary? What period is it from? When the framing corresponds to the style and the period of the art, it will provide a solid supporting role.

THREE

Know exactly what you're framing. What is the medium? If your artwork is a watercolor or pastel, it will need different attention than an oil or acrylic painting. Is it an original? A fine art reproduction? An embellished giclee? A photograph? What is its substrate? Canvas? Board? Linen? Be sure to know both the medium and the substrate as you work with your framer to best preserve and protect your artwork. This will add to its value, and not decrease or damage it.

FOUR

If considering adding a mat when framing your artwork, keep tip number one in mind. Mat to the piece, not to the room. Look at the light and shadow within the artwork and keep to that spectrum. A good rule of thumb: never use a mat that is brighter than the lightest area or darker than the deepest shadows. And again, avoid matching colors in the room ... stick to those you find in the artwork. 

FIVE

Sometimes, your artwork will simply not need a frame, and that's just fine. Don't feel that framing a piece is a must if it looks best without one. When an artist paints right to the edge of their canvas, that dynamic edge can be lost if it's covered by a frame or mat. However, if you still wish to frame such a piece, talk to your framer about options that will allow you to still glimpse those edges. 

SIX

It's possible your piece came framed by the artist or gallery you acquired it from. This often works in your favor. However, at times you might need to reconsider that framing. Perhaps it was framed for a show, or with the gallery's collection in mind. Consult with the gallery about reframing options that would better suit the piece within your collection.

SEVEN

Find a reputable framer. Your trusted gallery or art advisor is the best place to start that search. Ask for a recommendation. A great framer will work with you, learning about your artwork and your collection. They will be knowledgeable about framing options and ready to share those with you. They will also likely not be low-budget, which is a good thing. This is your artwork. Your art collection. Give it the frame it deserves!