Blog

• Making Your Selection

• Which Gets What

• Art for the Ages

• Adhering to Competition Guidelines

“There is more to framing your artwork than getting a good deal at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.”

Making the Selection

The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word Frame/framing as “a basic structure that surrounds and supports a structure.” The focus for picking a frame should be on enhancing the painting and not detract from its beauty. A good frame will guide the viewers’ eyes into the painting and hold them there to explore. Take some time, order some samples, and go with your artist eye to know what looks balanced and complimentary.

Which Gets What

Oil, gouache, and acrylic paintings on canvas or panels require open-back or floater frames without glass. Pastel paintings do require frames with glass inserts, but the glass should not lay against the artwork to prevent smearing. Most watercolors will be behind glass. However, watercolor works mounted on a rigid board with acid-free acrylic gel medium and the surface protected with a durable, non-yellowing acrylic varnish, do not require glass inserts. Matting applies to works on paper.

Making Art for the Ages

The painting surface, whether it be canvas, paper, or board is one of the most critical factors for longevity. Whether you choose cotton or linen canvas, acid-free primer protects the cloth and prevents dulling over time.

Choose paper labeled acid-free and lignin-free, to avoid yellowing and deterioration. Professional-grade papers made from 100% cotton rag or purified alpha cellulose offer superior stability.

The composition of paints and inks directly affects resistance to fading and degradation. Use paints with a rating of I or II which are a higher rating for lightfastness.

Check product labels for lightfastness ratings. These ratings indicate how well a color resists fading when exposed to light. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) scale rates colors from Excellent (I) to Poor (III). Use artist grade paints with a rating of I or II (oil paints) or durable polymers (acrylics) for enduring art. Artist-grade paints contain higher concentrations of quality pigment and better binders.

Applying a protective varnish or coating shields the finished artwork from dust, dirt, pollutants, and UV radiation. For paintings, choose a removable archival varnish so it can be cleaned or restored in the future without damaging the paint underneath. 

Read the Competition Rules

Don’t be that artist who has their painting handed back to them and rejected from an art show or gallery. The requirements are standard and outlined in the application process. Artwork needs to be secured to the frame with appropriate hardware such as offset brackets and right-angle brackets. Taping the artwork into the frame is not acceptable. Wires should be attached to the frame with “D”” rings only. Screw eyes and sawtooth hangers are not acceptable. Keep in mind that the artwork will be taken off the wall and examined front and back by your customer. If you want a return patron, give them a professional painting in all aspects.

“The next topic that will be covered is painting for yourself or a potential audience”