Cohesive framing?

Lacey Lewis · 09-09-2005, 01:06 AM

Hello!

There is a small possibility that I could have some of my work exhibited in the near future, so I am looking into framing them all. So far, I have a couple of things framed with simple black "gallery" style frames in wood or metal.

Should I have everything framed in a similar style if they might be shown together? Or is it OK to have a mix?

Some of my works are on regular canvas, some are on the deep 1 1/2" stretchers, at least one is on a wood panel, and some are pastels on paper. The only way I can think to make them all similar is to all have simple black frames, with either floater frames on the deep stretchers or leave the sides painted black. Well, that or spend a fortune on really deep frames for everything!

But is this acceptable? I want to show all of my work in the best light, and I know a couple would look really nice in a particular frame, but I don't want them to look a mess as a group.

Opinions, suggestions appreciated!

Lacey Lewis · 09-16-2005, 10:06 PM

Just adding a reply here to attract attention: Over Here!! *wave*

Chime in if you have any opinions or ideas.

Linda Nelson · 09-16-2005, 11:13 PM

When I exhibited my work for the first time 4 years ago at an art fair, I was faced with the same problem. I decided to think of my artwork and its presentation in the same regards as a fashion designer shows his work on the catwalk - you want the buyers to to drool at what they see, even if it's not what they'll actually be buying. I was lucky enough to get a wholesale framing account, which helped offset that I was picking the most flattering frames for my work, and just living with the price I had to pay to do it.

It really paid off. I got great commissions that first show, and I know for a fact that the frames helped show off the artwork, and more importantly, helped the client envision the work in their home. I had a variety of artwork to fit multiple genres, and selected frames that could be attractive to the most common interior design styles of my target market.

If you aren't adept at picking frames or knowing interior design, buy some interior design magazines of the type of homes that your buyer ASPIRE to be in, envision which paintings look good in which interior design space in the photos, and copy that style in the frame you choose for the painting.

Good Luck!

Lacey Lewis · 09-16-2005, 11:26 PM

Thanks Linda!

I actually do have some interior design magazines around, though they are a few years old from when I took an interior design class. Sometimes I worry that a frame I think would look great on a painting, like gold leaf frames, will strike someone as gaudy and that maybe I should stick to simple black frames.

You've given me the courage to try different frames! Thanks so much for the reply.

Linda Nelson · 09-16-2005, 11:39 PM

that frame inthe center weighs like 20 pounds!

Lacey Lewis · 09-16-2005, 11:45 PM

You have no idea how helpful that pic is!

If I may ask you another question: What did you do about canvases the deeper, heavy duty stretcher bars, if you used them?

Part of my problem is that the only thing I am finding online for them are the floater frames, and I'd like it if I could find a frame that covers that 1.5" on the side. I would rather have each one in its own regular frame instead, say, of 5 in floater frames and 5 in assorted other frames.