It's a Frame Up!

“You have it in you to give that extra little bit.  You know that you could add that finishing touch.  You know you can take that extra step.”

~Marilyn Moats Kennedy

By now you know the importance I place on original art in an interior space.  From its transformative properties to the pure joy and beauty that art brings to a room and the viewer,  a wonderful painting (or any piece of art, really) can be the centerpiece of an entire room.

Equally important though not equally discussed, is the value of a custom frame for your prized artwork.  That extra step, that finishing touch.  That’s why today I’d like you to accompany me on a trip to my fabulous local frame shop, South Street Gallery in Hingham, MA.  I’m going to take you through, step-by-step, my process as I select a frame for one of my most favorite pieces of art in my home.

First let me show you the painting we’ll be working with.  It’s a colorful beach scene by renowned artist and my dear friend Sandy Welch.  Don’t you just love this? I can feel the sun shine when I look at this painting!

The painting hangs in the Foyer of my home, setting the tone for my waterfront abode with its glorious color and seaside scene.

Notice that this painting was created on a deep, finished canvas.  The artist continued the painting around the edges giving you the option of hanging it without a frame.  I prefer a more traditional and opulent approach however,  so off we go to the frame shop!

The best frame shop to  seek out is not only one with an outstanding selection but a proprietor who has an artist’s eye and can help you with your options.

Meet Kate, from South Street Gallery. My personal framing consultant (she could be yours, too!).

Here, Kate is holding up a frame with a “fillet”, a small piece of mulling which fits inside a larger frame for decorative purposes.

I like the fillet but I think this frame is far too ornate for this painting.  While I liked the frame sample on the wall, the only way to discover how it will look with your artwork is to place it on all 4 corners and try to visualize it around the entire piece.  The frame should complement the artwork, not compete with it.  It is also important to keep in the mind the style of the piece and where it will be installed.

 Let’s go back to the drawing board for more selections.

When selecting a frame, keep in mind that the depth of the canvas is critical.

As you can see here,  this frame leaves some of the painting exposed.  While this would not be an issue if the painting is installed in a space where no view would be seen on either side, I’m going to select a deeper frame.

This is an option:

This is one of my favorite contemporary frames

It doesn’t distract from the painting but adds a posh polish.  Which finish is best next to the sand? Both work well with the blue sky~ hmmm…

Should we add a dark brown fillet for contrast and a peek of drama? Or will this create a “coloring book” effect when surrounding the entire painting? 

Wait a minute, what’s this?  Fillets in color??

Kate have you been holding out on me?? What about the poppy colored one that would draw in the poppy wall from the Living Room? Oh, this could be just perfect!

What do you think?

It seems I’m at a crossroads.  I love the painting with just the large frame but oh, the pop of color from the poppy fillet ~ I love that too!  What’s a designer to do?

Here’s where you step in dear readers and friends.

Should I frame it with the poppy fillet~

or the larger frame only?

 (Note:  photos taken in natural light)

Please vote this week in the comments section!  I will post the winning result soon and then frame my beloved beach painting. Of course I’ll  share the new space with you as soon as the framed painting is installed.

Thank you, kind and loyal readers, for participating in my first poll!

xo,

Pamela

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