kcp – Artblog

Frame basics

So you’ve made up your mind about purchasing an artwork (hopefully one of mine… hint, hint ;-) ) now what? Have you considered buying a frame too? A frame is the classic way of showcasing artwork and it also serves as protection from dust and damage. There are many frame choices and options readily available at my on-line Imagekind gallery it can be overwhelming and confusing. So allow me to guide you through “frame basics” and hopefully help you make the right choice.

Print on Canvas –
If the look and feel of an original oil painting appeals to you, you might like to buy a Print on Canvas. In this case, you could consider a frame without glass since glass is usually for artworks on paper or boards.

Large canvases can be hung unframed. This works especially well for abstract work but it is becoming very fashionable nowadays for other kinds of artwork as well.

• Keep in mind that this will only work if the wall on which the artwork will be hung is a plain and neutral colour.
• For better results, chose the “Gallery Wrap” canvas style, where the printing extends on the sides.

Art Prints –If you prefer an Art Print, you will find that there are different types of paper to choose from my on-line gallery. Some papers are best suitable for photography, other for acrylic, oil or watercolour reproductions. Make sure to read carefully each paper description (by clicking on the little + sign) – I personally would recommend the “Torchon Fine Art” paper – Whichever you choose, consider framing your artwork with a glass and a mat.

UV-protective glass is clear just like regular glass, but blocks harmful rays (from the sun, fluorescent and halogen lighting) from damaging your artwork.

Matting – If your frame has a glass, always use a mat! – A mat (or “frame within a frame”) isn’t only decorative. Its purpose is to create a pocket of air between the picture and the glass to prevent the artwork from wrinkling, sticking to the glass and avoid the development of fungus.

Acid-free materials – Mats paper and canvases at Imagekind are of course made of Acid-free materials to prevent picture decay. Standard paper materials may contain adhesives and acids that will eat away the artwork over time :(

• Whichever you chose, frame or no frame, glass or no glass and regardless of the size, it is best to hang your artwork on a wall next to windows rather than opposite of them.
• Avoid smoky and steamy areas (such as kitchens, bathrooms or above a radiator)
• For large reproductions, make sure your wall is strong enough to support such a large artwork and frame. Also make sure to use the right kind of fixtures.

In my next article “Framing your artwork Part 2” we will explore the different frame styles (wood, metal, thick, thin, ornate, bold, etc.) to best highlight your artwork and match your home décor.

Finally, I have finished “La Collation” which has been put on the back burner while I was working on other paintings. I seem to have a lot of trouble working on several paintings at the same time.

Some artists do work on several (Did you know that Van Gogh painted 6 different versions of his Sunflowers?) but I don’t know how they can manage – I tried. I Started several project over last winter; “La Collation” was one of them, phyldelphus flowers and an impasto of winter scenery. I have trouble letting-go on a painting once I start getting involved with it. I ended-up feeling overwhelmed, things were not developing as fast as I hoped and I lost the inspiration. Then springtime came around and it just felt weird to work on that winter scenery. So I put that one on the back burner while it was still at it’s early stages and began working on the phyldelphus flowers which seemed more appropriate for the season and which inspired me more at the time. I managed to advance that painting pretty well (now I would say it’s about 1/3 done but then began feeling guilty for “La Collation” which has been at its very final stage with only an hour or two of work needed. But the phyldelphus flowers, which revealed to be a lot more complex subject that I thought it would be at first made me want to stick to that painting and so I procrastinated for months to finish “La Collation”

Today I finished “La Collation” and I realize that I should have done that a long time ago as I suddenly feel free and at peace with myself with a regain of energy to work on the phyldelphus flowers. Isn’t that ironic? – Anyhow, I’ve learned my lesson. I’m going to finish the flowers, and then the winter scene before I start any other painting project which I have lots of.

(Phyladelphus Flowers… in progress)