Frames, like the works of art that they surround and protect, are works of art in their own right. Frames are characteristic of their specific period or artisan and they provide a unique feel or look to a work of art. They come in various shapes, sizes, forms, carvings, details, etc. and despite the similarities, no two frames are alike. Select your frame with care.

Selecting a Frame
What's the rush?
How do I choose a mat?
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Selecting a Frame

Selecting a frame and visualizing what your work of art will look like in that frame is very difficult. Don't fool yourself, this is not easy. This Art Advice column deals with procedures for the frame selection process. Take your time and try some options before you decide.

What's the rush?

I'll offer one bit of advice and please, make sure you take this bit into account when you are selecting a frame, Take Your Time. Make sure you don't have to get to a dentist appointment or that you don't have to pick up the team at soccer practice immediately after you drop off your artwork to the framer. Slow down. Don't let anyone in the frame shop rush you either.

Framing is expensive and you will be disappointed if you don't get what you want because you rushed. Personally, I am very slow when it comes to picking out frames for works of art. When curating exhibitions or assisting clients, I have had to offer suggestions or select frames for many different works of art from Renaissance pieces to Post-modern works. I confess that I have held up the whole museum installation process because I couldn't decide on a frame. So, I learned that if you just take your time, you'll find a combination (frame, mat, etc.) that you like. It takes me years to decide but no matter. Remember, you couldn't be slower at it than I am when it comes to picking out a frame. But then again, what's the rush?

I suggest some of the most basic ideas on this topic and I would urge you to just go slowly. While in the frame shop, ask to take the molding samples off of the display wall, just hold them up against your work of art and wait a minute or so. Hold the molding or frame samples up at the top left corner of your work as if you were reading the piece from left to right. This point usually works best in giving you an idea about the frame. Since your eye will go there (upper left) first, you'll get the same reaction that you will experience when you have a completely framed piece. If you stare at the frame molding in the upper left corner for a minute or so, and then look at the bottom right, your visual memory will bring the image with you and for an instant you can get a sense of the how the frame molding will look at the lower right side of the work.

Think about your choices. Perhaps you'd like warm wood frames for warm subjects like landscapes and pieces with red/brown/gold color schemes. Some people prefer sleek, plain, metal frames that work well with modern art like serigraphs and boldly colored prints. Many people and many framers tell others that you can make a bad picture look good by putting a gold frame around it--they have a point (well, sort of --as gold does present a good contrast for most colors) but a gold frame won't make a bad picture become a good picture. Of course, gold frames are nice choices and appropriate for some pieces. Beware, there are many framers who just suggest gold frames because they are the easiest solution for that customer who is taking too much of their time in selecting a frame. In fairness, gold frames are sometimes very appropriate and the absolute correct answer but not always. Select your framing slowly and wisely. 

As for metal frames, you can choose metal frames in basic black, gold or silver but also there are metal frames that look like wood and that are colorful. The colors are nice options for many works of art. Remember to hold up the frame samples and consider the shiny or the matte finishes on metal frames. Metal frames are easy to put together yourself after you have tried it once or twice. If you decide to build your own metal frame from a frame kit, take your time and make sure you have enough table or floor space to undertake the project. Be careful while putting the glass into the frame because if you crack it, that's it--you have to get another piece. I suggest, in terms of metal frames, try to order them from a frame manufacturer. Some manufacturers make it easy to build your own frame with just their basic straight parts and a screwdriver. They come in parts to assemble and instructions. The kits are cheaper and once you get the hang of it, you won't want to spend the extra labor expense for metal frames. 

How do I choose a mat?

Just choose what you like in terms of the frame and pick a mat that doesn't overpower the work of art and that compliments the frame. As you know, try to stay away from really bright colored mats on a muted work of art and vice versa. You could frame some of the works directly without a mat but installing spacers takes skill and some practice. Frames are meant to be versatile, so if you don't like something like the mat or the frame itself, don't be afraid to change it.

Professional framing standards and method for selecting frames is a popular topic and one which I will certainly revisit in the Art Advice columns. On a related topic, consider learning more about art lighting in another Art Advice column. I appreciate your questions and feel free to contact me with your comments.

Dr. Lori
Director, Masterpiece Technologies Inc.