Getting Your Artwork Professionally Framed

Gosh it's been ages since my last waffle, so thought I had better get to it. Been a couple of months since my previous ramble because I have been so so busy with commission work.  My newsletter will be out soon so you can see what I have been up to. If you wish to subscribe so you don't miss out on anything follow this link and get your email address typed  in that form!

Getting your artwork framed is this month's issue of ramble. I think it is an important part of buying art as it can make or break your painting.  As superb as your painting may be on it's own merits, without a frame it will be "missing something". A bit like when a lady (or anyone who likes applying the stuff)  puts make up on her eyes, she is 'framing" them  - whether she is conscious of it or not - to make them stand out - choosing colours and the way in which she applies it to enhance her look.  And so it is with art. Putting a frame on your painting will really make your artwork look a million dollars. If it is done correctly, that is.

Framing need not be expensive - if you are on a budget they can be bought in variety of sizes, shapes, colours, finishes from almost anywhere although do check the quality as it may end up not doing very much to help your painting shine, in fact if you make a rubbish choice for your beloved artwork, you could ruin it all together. And we don't want that. No. We want people to walk into your home and say "Wow, I love your painting!" They may not notice the actual frame or mount surrounding it, but be assured that in it's supporting role it will be doing it's job perfectly.

That is where the bespoke framer comes in. Having your artwork professionally framed is not as expensive as you might think, either.  There is a wide range of prices depending on your budget and the framer will  work with you and have a plethora (now there's a word) of finishes, widths, colours, etc to make your frame - and they come with lots of advice on how to choose the best one for your work to ensure it plays it's supporting role to the max for that "Wow" factor.  Whether you want a frame that is similar to others you already have, a frame that is sympathetic to your home decor, a traditional or contemporary one, you can bet the person framing your artwork will be taking it all in as he helps you pick out your choices. Remember, he does this day in day out and knows what goes well with what.

My framer, Mike, at www.cheshireframing.co.uk, where I take all my art for clients and for myself, always works WITH me to ensure we get the best frame for the latest effort off the easel that I waltz in with. He spends time going through frames, and we will often photograph different frames on the work to send to clients for their input, too, and I just love getting that call  "It's ready" because I can't wait to see the finished product. I am always amazed at the transformation from the lovely painting I dropped off the other day, to the fabulously framed piece of art (he seems to turn it into) that I take away to be hung on the wall. Not once have I ever said "oh, not sure about that", he really knows his onions. And his frames.

So next time you consider buying an unframed piece of art, think on; take it to your local framer and let them work their magic so you, too, can have that "wow" painting hanging on your wall.

TTFN
Kay