To Frame or not to Frame
by inoils
Nowadays I normally feel that my paintings are generally better hung unframed so as to avoid the light and atmosphere that is the main focus of most of my pictures being constrained by a physical border.
However, as part of my current joint exhibition, the Barnes Riverside Gallery has kindly put some of their fabulous frames on a couple of my paintings – and I have to say that I think that they really work!
The exhibition runs until 14th December.
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One further thought on the framing/transport question – does anyone know where one can buy (in France or UK) good quality cardboard “sleeves” for paintings (framed or unframed) to pack them for shipping? I end up having to beg shops for eg their plasma screen boxes each time!
Good point. My added problem is that when I have to pack paintings to take them back to the UK I do find it easier without frames – but I know that my friend Aldo Balding gets over this problem by having a framer in the UK. Thanks for the comment. Iain
The frame is also a protection for the art…to prevent edge damage or punctures from behind when handling. A frame can be chosen to be so subtle that it does not interfere with the artist’s intent…that’s our goal as picture framers anyhow.
ps…love your work!
Thanks so much for your comment Jane – that’s exactly it! I also feel that an unframed painting allows the light, colours and mood of a subject to become more part of a room rather than being a window on an event – but having seen the frames on these 2 pictures I am starting to think that containment can sometimes be a good thing, particularly with a darker oil painting.
Some paintings need framing to stop the eye from wondering out, some are so strong that the eye never leaves the canvas.