Frameworking

Ok so yes, framing is kind of the end of a project, and seems this is a new site and a new blog, it might be strange to start at the end...but hey, it's just where I am today... and it's all part of the big picture anyway!

So lets talk about framing...

Framing a piece of art can add to it immensely, or detract from it significantly.  Hopefully it will finish the artwork perfectly, make it "pop", and preserve it for eternity, so it's quite a big decision.  You don't want to mess this up after all of the work that goes into your painting! There are so many options available to you, it can be a daunting task to decide on what to do, and how to go about it, not to mention the expense!

Generally I do a lot of my own matting and framing, and it might be worth it to you to own a mat cutter and a few simple hanging tools and such.  There are also many places and online sites that offer good quality ready-made frames and mats that just require you to assemble them, which can save you a lot of time, and money!  You may also need to consider the type of glass covering, backing, and weight of your piece to be sure the stability and strength is sufficient for hanging.  Finding a good local art supply shop can help with this, they can suggest what you need if you're not sure, to assemble it yourself, or they can do it for you for a slightly higher cost (watch for the 60% off framing sales!).

If you are planning on showing your work in galleries, have special commissioned pieces, or have plans to ship your work long distances, you may need to find a local framer you can trust to meet these special requirements.  This will cost you more, but that's why artwork sometimes seems so expensive, sorry.  Here's a piece I recently had done by my framer, because it's in a competition and will be traveling to gallery exhibits.  They had some great suggestions, and I think did a great job for this piece! 

Another option is to think outside the box, do something unconventional, maybe considering your plans for where you want the piece to hang and the decor of the space, and save yourself some more money!  Here's a commission piece I did for a private collection that was going to hang in a historic farmhouse.  After weighing our options, my client mentioned liking the look of old windows, and we were able to find an original removed window from the house, clean it up and use it as a frame!  It's original, repurposed, inexpensive, and awesome looking I think!

So there you have it, my two-cents about framework, I hope that was helpful.  You can always contact me through this site with any questions you might have on this or whatever artistic challenge you might be facing today.  I'll do my best to help!

All artwork and photographs exclusive copyright to the artist, Kristina Spitzner, reproduction prohibited.