There is a general consensus that artwork enhances a home (or commercial space) by adding character or maybe a splash of colour or texture. Whether you commission bespoke paintings or you are an expert in sourcing exciting works by contemporary artists, there is the question about how to frame the artwork.
To answer this question, we need to first establish the function of the frame. It is generally accepted that a frame serves two main purposes. The frame shouldn’t be the star of the show, so we don’t want the frame to be detracted from or overshadow the work. Instead, the frame should direct the focus to the painting or print and it should also provide protection against the elements.
Not all paintings need a frame
There is also the question of whether your artwork needs to be framed at all. For example, some abstract artworks, painting panels and neon art, don’t need a frame, as some styles of artworks already draw the eye and work better without a frame. When deciding to frame or not to frame, the practicalities need to be taken into account, such as whether it is feasible to hang a large heavy artwork without a frame. In most cases it is possible with the right support and type of construction, such as ‘gallery wrap’, whereby the canvas is stretched around the sides and the artist continues the painting around the sides.
Which type of frame should you choose?
Obviously, it is taken as read that your personal taste will inform the decision as to which style frame you will choose. However, there are other elements that should be taken into consideration, for example, if you are framing a classical painting similar to a John Constable landscape, then a traditional ornate frame would be the perfect match. Whereas works by more contemporary artists, such as Banksy’s Balloon Girl, would suit a more modern no-fuss frame. Similarly, if you have a bespoke painting in a style that is somewhere in the middle, then the frame style should reflect this. Alternatively, you can throw convention to the wind, for example framing an ultra-modern print with Rococo gilt.
Colour
The colour of the frame can be dictated by the painting and also the style and colour scheme of the space where you intend to display it. The most popular choices are the classically simple black or white frames. In general, a black frame will add drama and more depth to the room and white frames provide the perfect calm contrast for a colourful piece of art hung on white walls. Again, who says you can’t have fun with colour, bring a fresh flash of colour to your room and there is no reason why they all need to match. The rule is, there are no rules.
Protecting paper, oil and acrylic paintings
We mentioned earlier, frames don’t only focus the eye, they also provide protection for your precious artworks. The type of frame treatment will depend upon the medium, for example a water colour painting on paper will be extremely delicate and will require acid-free mountings, backing, a frame and glass to preserve it. The mount will ensure that the glass does not sit directly on the painting. You should always use art glass which has UV filters to prevent pigments fading if placed in direct sunlight.
Acrylic paintings sit in between water colours and oil, similar to water colour the paint dries when the water evaporates from the paint. However, like oil, there is a three-dimensional finish to the paintings which can be better appreciated in a frame without glass. However, due to the nature of acrylic, it can be susceptible to heat and cold and can crack, so it is essential to consider where you hang this type of painting.
Oil paintings are usually framed without glass, this is because the paint dries by oxidation, rather than water evaporation. This results in a strong film across the top of the painting that can be protected with a final coat of varnish. You should be considering a frame but no glass, so that the painting can breathe and be appreciated in its full glory.
Choosing the right size frame
Again, this really depends upon your preference, but a professional framer would be able to advice you on the optimum size mount and frame for each individual artwork. The mount is crucial for creating a space between the picture and the glass, but it can also provide a border that both enlarges the total size of the artwork and focuses the eye.
As a rule of thumb, the proportion of the frame to your furniture should be in the region of 75 percent. Otherwise, a small framed picture floating above a large sofa could look very lonely, whereas a large dramatic framed painting brings the right amount of impact and drama.
Materials
Always buy the best quality frame you can afford. If you are framing some low-cost fun prints there is nothing wrong with a trip to Ikea for some simple frames, but if you have commissioned a piece of bespoke artwork, then you’ll want to treat it with the respect it deserves. Natural materials are more aesthetically pleasing and more durable, but whether you prefer wood, metal or gilt… if you like it, you have made the right choice.
If you would like advice on choosing a picture-perfect frame or information about Studio 2’s custom canvas paintings, bespoke art and design workshops visit: https://studio2artdesign.com/ or email: welcome@studio2artdesign.com.