[Chris Saper]

I have a somewhat different viewpoint, I guess. I look at an exhibit wall just as I look at a painting- it needs to hold together cohesively.

For me that means frames of a similar - not necessarily the same- look. When you are buying frames for exhibit, I think it makes sense to have something simple and flattering, so that if you need to change out paintings for the next exhibit, you can do so.

You'll need to be presenting first impressions to clients in a frame, so I think that simple and flattering makes sense. If you get into strongly designed or stylized frames it might be harder for someone to envision the painting in his home.

There are definitely two schools of thought on the issue, so you'll need to decide what is best for you.

For thick stretchers, you'll need to look at frames styles that incorporate a "back- up" or "extra depth." I think this is generally a good idea regardless of the stretcher, because otherwise the painting can't sit flat against the wall when it's hung.