a guide on framing artwork
So you have finally found that piece of artwork that makes your heart sing - YAY! Now you have to find the perfect frame, but there are so many choices, and it’s overwhelming..
FLOAT FRAMES
METAL FRAMES
WOOD FRAMES
MOUNT SIZES
SHADOW GAP
There are so many options..
I totally get it, so here is a little reference guide on how I would frame my pieces, a few tips and tricks and my personal recommendations.
Firstly let’s break it down by categories of artworks.
Cradled Panels
Canvas
Paper
Prints
Cradled panels & Canvases
These will be similar as they both have a cradled edge of usually either 20 / 50 mm. Sometimes these are offered including framing or with finished edges. As these have a depth to them, they do not need to be framed, they can be hung straight on the wall - nice and easy!
However if you wanted to frame these yourself as the buyer, there a few things to consider.
shadow gap or edge to edge?
natural finish or coloured frame?
frame border depth, thin or wide?
My advice would be to do some research online/ in person and once you’ve found a frame you like get in touch with a local framer and ask for a quote.
Tranquil blues and greens, pops of a light grey pink. Subtle marks and a pop of bright orange.
76 x 76 x 2 cm on cradled wood panel.
79.2 x 79.2 x 3.5 cm including frame.
Mixed media (Acrylic, wax pastels and graphite) on wood panel.
Framed in a natural tray frame.
This painting comes ready to hang, before shipping it will be finished with a satin varnish to protect it's longevity and against UV rays.
As this is a lager piece, postage will be invoiced separately, to enquire please feel free to send an email to me at emma@emmalockart.com.
Each painting is signed on the back of the panel alongside it's title. Please allow 5 - 10 working days for postage unless advised separately.
Please be aware that although every care has been taken to ensure the true colours are portrayed it may look slightly different on your screen.
Work on paper & Prints
Deep greens, browns and bright pops of red and yellow.
Original Painting, mixed media on paper.
50 x 70 cm framed
Please note that the frame is not included however if you are UK based and would like a similar frame, please leave a note with the order and I will get in touch with framing advice.
Please be aware that although every care has been taken to ensure the true colours are portrayed it may look slightly different on your screen.
Each painting is signed on the back alongside it's title.
Please allow 5 - 10 working days for postage.
Postage not included.
Local drop off available to surrounding areas of Ipswich, Suffolk UK. Please email me at emma@emmalockart.com to arrange collection or local delivery. Use LOCALDROP at checkout.
These pieces tend to come unframed so that gives you more freedom with framing and your personal style. Something to note is whether the piece comes with a mount (mount for inside of frame to give space between painting and frame) or without. If your piece comes with a particular mount you can easily find a frame to fit that size. So for example the painting above in the black frame was sold with a mount, the size was 12 x 10 inches with the mount.
If your painting does not come with a mount, then you will need to decide what size mount if any you would like. Again do some research and find what your style is. I personally like a wider mount so there is more space between the artwork and the frame.
Now there are many ways you can frame a print or a painting. With prints these are totally fine behind glass as they are usually flat (unless embellished). Whilst a painting on paper may have a lot of texture and marks that you want to see clearly, this I would not choose to frame behind glass.
Again find a local framer as they will be able to advise and show you the many ways of framing. Or buy your favourite frames, take the glass out if needed and pop it on your walls. Mount the piece inside a frame but with the lift of the mount behind, it will have more depth.
Here are some of my favourite ways of framing my pieces
PANEL - ST IVES FRAME STYLE
Icy blues, pink greys, warm pops of orange and beautiful layers.
6x6 inch / 15x15cm wood panel framed in a deep oak floater style frame.
20 x 20 cm including frame. Original Painting Mixed media on wood.
Before shipping it will be finished with matt varnish to protect it's longevity and against UV rays.
Each painting is signed on the back of the panel alongside it's title.
MOUNTED PANEL - WIDE GAP FLOAT FRAME
Beautiful earth tones, deep greens with touches of light oranges and yellows.
Mixed media on panel 30 x 30 cm cradled panel framed in a beautiful floater style frame.
Each painting is signed on the back of the panel, before shipping it will be finished with satin varnish to protect it's longevity and against UV rays.
Please be aware that although every care has been taken to ensure the true colours are portrayed it may look slightly different on your screen.
Please allow 5 - 10 working days for postage.
Cradled panel - Painted float / tray frame
Natural wood frames
The best option is to ask the artist if possible, they will already have frames in their studio or in mind to offer you choices and guidance.
Have a question for me about framing? Get in touch below!