May 2009
Newsletter page 3: FRAMING How to choose the right frame for your painting .... and a special offer Another subject I am often asked about is framing. How do I choose the right frame for my subject? Here are a few guidelines that may help you with your choice: Ask yourself the question:
What atmosphere do you want to create? You can build on the atmosphere or mood of your painting by choosing the right frame that extends on the theme of your subject. Oil painting example: An Old Masters-inspired oil painting would be enhanced by the use of an old-world frame. Possibly a plain soft gold frame or a more dramatic ornate gold or even very dark frame would add to the narrative of your painting. On the other hand - a modern frame would give a very different effect and detract from the feeling of time-worn richness. I often use two or three frames - one inside the other - to create an impression of time-honoured craftsmanship in framing. I particularly enjoy wide frames - or two or three frames to give me the width I require. Narrowness in frames will give the impression of 'skimping' which always results in a disappointing result. When framing oil paintings I like to use a flat-ish frame near the painting itself. Then on the outside of that - I use a complementary frame which gives me the depth I want. Oil paintings can sometimes look crammed if a scooped frame is placed directly at the edge of the linen/canvas. Try to find a flat-ish frame with a complementary finish. I sometimes use a fillet that will give the impression of space before the larger and dominant frame begins. In the examples here you can see three different treatments of oil paintings.
 (click image to enlarge) |
I Didn't Hear You Leave
In my painting 'I Didn't Hear You Leave' I have used a fine ornate fillet, then a flat frame and then on the outside of that I have used another fine ornate frame. Can you see how this leads the eye into the painting without giving the impression that the painting is being crammed? |
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Echoes of Yesterday (Available as a TruGiclée Fine Art Reproduction)
The second example shows another oil painting where I have used two frames to lead the eye into the painting. It is almost as if we are looking through a window onto the scene.
In this instance, I have used one flat-ish frame and then an ornate one on the outside. This frame is champagne in color as I wanted the frame to be subdued rather than bright gold.
This painting is about the memories the walls have absorbed through the years. Although now derelict - the walls of this cottage must have felt and absorbed the memories of the family that lived and loved and was nurtured here. I wanted the viewer of this painting to feel as if they could smell the aroma of the bread baking in the old farm kitchen - the sounds of the children playing and the welcoming fire in the loungeroom when the farmer came in after a long winter day's work. The frame is unobtrusive, and yet captures the nostalgia I wanted to portray. (Click image to enlarge)
* This painting is available as a TruGiclée Fine Art Reproduction
Feel free to contact me for further details susan@susanart.com
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For the Connoisseur 'For the Connoisseur' required special treatment. Can you see how this frame has added to the atmosphere as it guides the viewer through a 'window', inviting them to quietly visit this private place which speaks of the person who owns and loves these time-worn books? (click image to enlarge) |
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When framing a watercolor we have other practical requirements we need to be mindful of. It is important that the glass is not directly on the painting. For this reason matt (or mount) boards are used.
The wonderful thing about these boards is that they give us that flat area around the painting. Therefore ensuring we do not cram our paintings by placing the frame directly next to the image. A few hints on framing watercolor paintings:The matt board color you choose will highlight that color in your painting. Light, cream or off-white matt boards will put light in your paintings. Most watercolors are about the effects of light - so we can enhance this by using light matt boards.
You can also use two matt boards with the lower one having a space of around 1 - 1½ inches. This allows us a 'step-in' to the painting and once again gives the impression of a window or a door.
I sometimes use a fillet or a bevel accent between the matt boards.
Many artists use very fine/thin frames on watercolors. I don't. I love to accentuate the atmosphere in my watercolors - just as I do in my oil paintings. (click image to enlarge) |
Time For Reflection (Available as a TruGiclée Fine Art Reproduction) The soft warm light of this Provencal summer's day is enhanced by the frame treatment. Soft frame colors and wide, flat matt boards give the impression of gentleness, elegance, grace, timelessness and contemplation. * This painting is available as a TruGiclée Fine Art Reproduction Feel free to contact me for further details susan@susanart.com |
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I mentioned to Don at Prestige Framing that I am planning to share information on framing in this newsletter. As a bonus for those in NZ who would like to take advantage of it: Prestige Framing have kindly offered a 20% discount on their normal retail price to frame any of my giclée works. They also offer a free 'art health check' and obligation free assessment on any existing framed artwork, by one of their qualified framers. You may wish to refer to their website:
http://www.prestigeframing.co.nz
DVDs
It never ceases to amaze me how far afield my books and DVDs go. We have sold over 10,000 DVDs to almost every country I know of - and many I didn't know of until the orders came in!
It is rather humbling to think my painting style, methods and techniques are helping so many others. My goal was to create one-on-one DVD workshops that give artists all the information I wish I had known many years ago - but couldn't find anyone to teach me! It has taken years of learning by trial and error to reach the stage I'm at now. It is a lovely notion to think you are all fast-tracking that learning! I see many of you are replacing my videos with DVDs. You will see the DVD that features both of my previous videos - also has another 30 minute bonus apple still-life study. Everyone loves it as it is excellent to use that as in introduction to my methods. Of course there are many other bonuses with DVDs too. The menu is brilliant to use and finding your place is so much easier than having to scroll through a video. I have heard that many have almost worn the videos out! There is so much information in my films - that each time you view my videos and DVDs you will find so much more that you missed the first time. Click HERE to view my internationally best selling DVDs. Product discoveries:Having trouble finding a good stretching tape for watercolor paper? I understand many are having trouble locating a good quality brown gummed tape that works reliably well for stretching watercolor paper. They are out there but as there are so many - it is difficult to know who stocks the best one and what brand name it is marketed under - especially as the one I use does not have any distinguishable brand showing! I wonder at the logic of that marketing!!!!! If you have success with a tape that has worked repeatedly for you - please do let me know and I will pass that information on. Having said that - I have some great news for you! I have found something I know you will all love! As mentioned earlier in this newsletter (see page 1 for more information,) I have discovered a fabulous archival water-activated gummed tape.... and it is white! I have spoken with Jerry's Artarama in the US and they have kindly agreed to import this product from Germany for your convenience. It will be arriving in the country around July 1st. So do check their website around that time: Jerry's Artarama webpage where you can order it after July 1st. I hope you have found many things of interest in this newsletter. Whether you are a lover of fine art or an artist - I often ponder the vast pleasure art brings to us all. Each day and several times a day we enjoy having our favorite art on our walls. It defines us and it enriches our lives and those who share it with us. Appreciation of fine art has revealed a depth and an excitement that enhances so many lives. What a lovely notion that is. I wish you all peace and joy.
Susan Harrison-Tustain |
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