kcp – Artblog

Frame and Decor

In my last article about framing, we went over the different kinds of frames, weather you should get a frame with or without glass, with or without a mat depending on weather you buy an Art Print or a Print on Canvas reproduction (If you haven’t read that article already, please go to: Framing your artwork Part 1: Frame basics) – In this Article, we will explore the different frame styles to best highlight your artwork and match your home décor, and attractive way to display your artwork to invite observers to look and linger.

Visually, the frame acts as an interval between the picture and the wall and should highlight the artwork – not compete against it – In other words, the ideal frame enhances the artwork and draws the eye into it.

• The frame should not be shinier than the artwork’s surface.
• Frames that are less than 2 in. (5cm) wide tend to look ungenerous – Smaller artworks often look best with a larger, more generous frame width.
• Most artwork look best when hung at or slightly lower than eye level.
• An artwork of limited value* range should not have a very dark or very light frame.
  

* Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a colour.

For those that prefer to buy a Print on Canvas for the look and feel of an original oil painting, it might interest you to know that oil paintings are traditionally framed in wooden frames that are gilded, painted or polished. The frame can be plain or ornate – Try to look for patterns, shapes or “themes” in the artwork. For instance an artwork that features round shapes or curves might be enhanced with a rounded/curvy ornate frame to echo the artwork – Try it, when selecting a painting from my gallery (and then choosing Print or Canvas) There’s a nice frame picker that lets you preview what the artwork will look like when framed :)

Ornate gold frames work best with artwork executed in representational (non abstract) styles and in traditional/formal environments and English country décor – If your home decor is modern, you might want to consider a plain frame, or one with more subtle ornaments.

If you prefer an unframed Print on Canvas reproduction, as said in my previous article, keep in mind that this works best if the wall on which the artwork will be hung is a plain and neutral colour. Also, keep in mind that unframed Artworks that look strong in a gallery space may appear less so in a cluttered and decorated domestic setting – This means you may need to rearrange your furniture. Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Hang small artworks in small areas, such as corners or hallways, and large ones in wide-open space.
• To increase their impact hang a group of small pictures in an interesting pattern on the wall – The frames don’t have to be exactly identical… as long as you don’t have a red plastic frame next to a dark wooden frame (though if you’re interested in my artwork, I doubt that you have such horrid tastes) if you know what I’m saying ;)
• Larger artworks don’t have to be hung right in the middle of the wall; you can try to create balance using furniture and other decorative accessories such as a vase for instance.

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.