Welcome to Adobe GoLive 6

Choosing the most attractive frame and matte can be a challenging process. With the thousands of choices available, how do you know which will make your artwork “pop?” The most important advice I can give is to take it slowly. Framing is expensive, so why rush the process and realize later that you have made a mistake?

Before you go to the frame shop, decide where you would like to hang the piece. If you would like the piece in your bedroom where you have many ornate, thick, gilded, Rococo frames, imagine your new piece in that sort of frame. If your piece is small, the Rococo frame will become the focal point rather than the art. If the piece is contemporary, the Rococo style will not match the artwork. If this is the case, you need to reconsider where you want to hang the piece. That is not to say that you can’t hang different styles of work together. Absolutely, you can! Sometimes the juxtaposition of two unlike pieces can have a pleasing effect on your own creativity; many creative breakthroughs have come from comparing two very different works of art. Just make sure that when you combine different styles of art, that the frame doesn’t prevent the combination from its potential effectiveness.

Another consideration for framing your work is the color of matte you use. Although it may be tempting to pick the matte that matches your furniture, you might wind up disappointed that the artwork just doesn’t have the same appeal that it did when you bought it. Choose a matte that makes your artwork stand out, rather one that tends to dull the overall appearance of the work. Starting from the left (because your eye will read the piece from left to right), begin holding up mattes that are true to the color scheme of the piece. Some will look better than others. Narrow your considerations until you are left with two or three. Ask the framer what they think (if he or she is an experienced framer). Bring in your best friend who is always so great with color. Ask them to try a few mattes on their own. Do the same with frame samples against the matte you have chosen.

The texture of the matte or frame can either enhance or detract from the work. If the piece itself is highly textured, a smooth matte won’t compete with the art. There are matte and glossy finish mattes and frames to choose from. Throughout the process, remember that the emphasis should ALWAYS be on making the artwork stand out, rather than focusing on the matte or frame. Of course, make sure that your piece fits harmoniously with your other artwork and with the mood you are trying to convey, but those considerations are secondary now that you own it. If you really can’t find a way to display this piece with your other art, consider making it a focal point in a place where it can make its impact individually. If you find yourself in this difficult position, remember that developing an overall collecting plan can prevent you from some of these difficult decisions. Every time you come across art that you like, you can determine whether it will fit with the rest of your collection. Be flexible though, because sometimes a gem comes along that will inspire your collection to head in a direction that suits your personality even more.

Framing can bring up all sorts of issues about what we buy and how we collect. It is sort of the litmus test of whether our collection is growing harmoniously and cohesively. Allow yourself to enjoy the creative process of proper display and you will find that your art collection is inspiring you to learn and grow along with it!

Keesha Davis at Resonance Fine Art can help you with art questions. Please call for a free consultation at 241-0465, write to her at resonancefineart@bresnan.net and visit her website at www.resonancefineart.com .