Picture this: you're on vacation, strolling through a local art fair, and there it is – a print that steals your heart. It’s unframed, which is perfect because, let’s be real, your RV’s not exactly packing extra space. Plus, it’s a steal compared to a framed piece.
You dive in, snag the print, feeling triumphant. But fast-forward to getting home. Reality hits. Your new gem needs a frame, and not just any frame – it needs the right frame.
Framing isn’t just about matching your dining table – it’s about amplifying your artwork’s voice. Think of your frame as its trusty sidekick, enhancing every hue and stroke.
Let’s talk substrate. Is your print on paper or canvas? Paper? Paper prints want mats and glass to protect the artwork, but you can also think of those as the elegant earrings that complete your ensemble. Canvas, on the other hand, skips the mats and glass, settling into a frame, solo. No muss, no fuss; simple, yet dazzling!
Now, style-wise? Think less about your decor and more about the art. Got a print with lively patterns and colors popping like a South African sunrise? Opt for a simpler frame – let the art do the talking. But be aware, simple is not the same as boring or bland. "Quiet" might let your art shine, but bland never will.
Conversely, if your print leans into minimalism or graphic geometries, your piece might flow with holy-smokes-bold, if that’s your jam.
Wood frames are traditional, classic and reliable, from maple to walnut, smooth to rustic, from au natural to dark stains, such as espresso. However, ...
... the more ‘carved’ these are, the more verve they bring to your piece. Much like the tantalizing masculine scent that charms you into a cigar shop, the right wooden frame is a fine aroma delicately woven around a sublime creation. It breathes gravitas.
Metallics brings on the drama! Gold, silver, or bronze – each with its own flair. Tasteful flamboyance reveals itself in carved greenery or scroll patterns that gleam in leafed metal. They look fully fab if you’re print is in a French patisserie mood. Or, antiqued or rubbed metallic finishes bring on a fashionably aged look, as if you picked them with glee from a dusty pile in Aunt Emma’s attic.
Metallic frames are the gown – whether elegant or ostentatious – that calls attention to the captivating queen that has entered the ballroom.
And don’t forget tones. Warm colors in your artwork cozy up to gold and bronze frames ...
... while cooler shades chill with silver, pewter and champagne. It’s like finding the right wine for your cheese.
Width matters, too. Thin profiles, say, about an inch wide, equal sleek and understated. Combined with voluminous mats over a paper print, they lend importance and sophistication. Go even thinner to create a hip poster-style vibe.
Meanwhile, wider frames, clocking in at anywhere from 2.5 to 4 inches, add depth and presence. A wide frame style can truly make a statement as a style preference and can also help turn petite pieces into bold showstoppers. A full-strength, fancy 4-inch frame calls out, “Here I am!” In a good way. It’s like dancing when no one else is because the music makes you happy. Nothing wrong with that. It’s an expression of your style!
Remember, it’s not just décor – it’s your connection to that piece. So, frame it up to reflect you. Whether it’s understated elegance or bold statement, let your art do the talking. And if you need a nudge, we’re here. Because framing, like life, is about seizing the day. Carpe diem, art lovers!
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From top to bottom: "Saratoga: Autumn"; "Here Comes the Sun"; "Oracle of Roses"; "Matilija Twirl"; "Flor D' Luna"; "Exuberance"; "Moon Dance"; "Renewal"; "Cue the Cha Cha"
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