Monday, October 23, 2006

To Frame or Not to Frame a Painting

I received some comments about the frames that I have been including on my paintings. They are classically plein air frames which are by definition, exceptionally wide. I happen to like them and I keep frames handy while painting in the studio because I like to look at the painting with a frame to get and idea of how it will look framed. However, in an internet setting I can see how the frames can dominate the painting. Also, my taste in framing might not be someone else's. So I have decided to show the paintings unframed. I have a friend who is a portrait painter who has the frame made when he finishes the preliminary painting. At the end of the day of painting he places it in the frame and it helps him to see it differently. His clients pay upwards of $25 k for the portrait and $5-10K for the frame. Of course the clients agree with the the frame so it is really a presold situation. I am glad to have had the feedback. I think I screwed up on responding. I would love to hear others opinions about framing. Keep in mind these paintings I am doing are very small 5 by 7 to 6 by 8 inches.

1 comment:

Ron Guthrie said...

Hi Linda,
There seems to be as much personal choice on framing as there is on what type of art people like. I've found some want total control over framing a piece they buy from you and some want the package no matter what the frame looks like...just to get it home and hang it..done! I can see both sides of the coin.

Personally, I like a larger frame. I love PA frames too. My work has a PL look to it so it works I think and makes framing simple. I'm buying more PA frames these days. I've met many local painters who don't understand PA frames and their purpose towards the art they frame. In fact, I recently met a framer who had no clue what a PA frame was! Naturally, most of the buying public would not be familiar with these frames...those who are familiar with PA would.

You work looks great, keep up the good painting.
Ron