How to Nail that Frame
Not all artwork needs a frame, art on thick canvas and painted around the side or clean around the side is perfect the way it is. A frame on thick (box) canvas normally sits level with the picture, so it looks like it might be floating.
Have a look around and see what style of frame you like, take a photo for reference.
Works on paper usually require a mount, (a coloured/white piece of card that sits between your picture and the glass. Work on paper, prints of any sort and of course photos will need glass. Hopefully, all the artists and photographers know that it is best practice to leave a plain border around your work so there’s no need to crop your beautiful work when the frame goes on.
Remember that the frame should complement your work and not compete with it. Bold colours on a frame will steal some of the limelight, so unless you want that impact, I suggest you go for neutral colours, white/off-white vellum/muted grey or black. Very often, the vellum with a small insert of white will show off your picture far better than ornate gold with lavish hills and hollows.
Size matters. Most pictures are hung with 2 hooks on the back called D-rings (if you are making your own frame you can get these at any hardware stockist). Larger paintings e.g. anything over a 100 cm span will need strap hangers, which fit on either side, (doing away with the string) you secure your picture with 2 wall plugs and screws instead of one.
For any artists who are framing work for an exhibition or open call, don’t forget to check with the venue and see which type of hanging they require. Wherever you choose to hang your picture, FINISH IS IMPORTANT. Your picture looks best if it is framed or clean around all edges, with proper hooks and string. It will make ALL THE DIFFERENCE
