How To Energize Old Art

By Author: John Brick
Total Articles: 4762
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Whether you have paintings, photographs, original art or fine art, the framing of the work is the most important factor in the presentation of the work. Reproductions, posters, sketches or prints are also candidates for fresh looks. Often, the only difference between a work of art that is visually pleasing, and one that is hardly noticed, is the quality of the frame. Not only should frames enhance artwork, but they protect the piece from harmful elements, such as dirt, dust and moisture.

People frame their art for a variety of reasons. A new frame and mat can take an ignored piece of art, which has hung on the walls for years, and infuse it with new life. The frame and mat should work in combination to create a fresh look without overwhelming the work. Often, a favorite item is re-framed to blend with the decor of a new home or to add warmth to an office. On the other hand, consumers are motivated to frame works of art, and other items that they prize, based on the items monetary or sentimental value.

From an aesthetics perspective, the newly framed piece should be something that is personally pleasing since ...
... it becomes a part of your daily setting. Generally, a piece of artwork should draw attention while simultaneously blending into your environment. The creative objective behind framing a piece of work is to balance and enhance the creative impression. This can be accomplished by harmonizing the artwork with stylish and graceful framing.

Choosing a quality frame design is nearly as important as the work of art. The right frame and style will accentuate the true essence of the painting, drawing or poster by making it visually attractive and utterly unique. It okay not to know what you want. Visit a local gallery and take notes the styles and elements of frames and mats that appeals to you. Pay as much attention to what you don't find so attractive too.

Also, an experience framer can also help you make your decision. They have seen all types of art, and usually have a refined feeling for what works well with certain pieces. However, you should make the final choice of framing for your work of art. After you have chosen a new frame, you'll need to select a mat with the same level of care. Mats are the cardboard or rag boards that separate your artwork from the frame and glass. They are essential in order to keep the artwork from folding, bending or other harm that might occur.

Don't underestimate the importance mats play in the appearance of your art. Often, a carefully chosen mat strengthens certain elements of artwork that may have previously gone unnoticed. So, a mat can complement your piece while preserving and protecting it. There are literally hundreds of mats you can choose from. A key to preserving your art is that the material you select must be "archival quality".

Frames aren't designated as "archival," but mats are. This means that it does not contain acids that will harm your painting. Whether you should use glass or acrylic should also be deliberated. Glass is less expensive and also easier to clean than acrylic. Glass is scratch resistant, but prone to breaking. Glass is also heavier and is very reflective. Reflection produces a glaring effect. On the other hand, acrylic, or Plexiglas, is a much better insulator. It is also shatterproof. The material is lighter than glass and does not absorb dirt and grime.

If you elect to go with acrylic, it should be 1/8 inch thick, which is about the same thickness for glass. Acrylic with less thickness may warp or distort the appearance of the artwork. It should be avoided when you are framing charcoals, pastels or any powdery pigment artwork. Another feature you may want to consider is selecting ultraviolet (UV) protection coating for glass or acrylic. Since your art can be damaged by the rays of the sun this is something you may want to choose. Picking out the appropriate size frame for your art is also important.

Remember, the frame should enhance the works presentation, not distract from it. If the frame is too large you may experience slippage. A frame that is the same size as the artwork will cover the entire mat, which is a component of the overall presentation. When you frame your piece, the bottom margin should be a little wider than the top margin. The side margins should be equivalent to the top. Typically, the dimensions of the margins are three to four inches on the bottom. The margin for the top and sides should be about three inches. You can adjust these sizes depending on the size of the work of art.
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