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Acrylic, Gouache, box canvas, stretch canvas and lots more???
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Posted
I’m a savage when it comes to framing boards, always use off-the-shelf with ready-cut mounts. The Range are particularly good for this. I bought a stock of the ones below as they’re glass fronted and come in at a whopping £10.50 for a 20x16 mount:I've bought a few frames from the Range, particularly plain square ones I use for prints. Though I often have to root through their entire shelf, to pick the better constructed of the batch. I've had some of these black and white frames too. I like them.They’ve got enough capacity for a board...this is one of the reasons I’ve moved away from stretched canvas.
Posted
IKEA do some great frames. Black metal like the one above for 9 quid. Acrylic not glass so lighter for postage. https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/lomviken-frame-black-70286768/
Posted
They do say that real glass is better for paintings than acrylic, and I'm sure it is - but I'd never willingly send real glass through the post: if a customer wants a framed watercolour (most of those I've sold haven't been) then I think I'd go for a standard frame, with acrylic glazing - the price reflecting the fact; then they could frame it as they wished.
The snag with that is that it's a lot easier to sell a watercolour when it is properly framed...... (and I think that's how I'd prefer to receive one, if I were buying). There are couriers who say they specialize in artworks - I don't remember ever using one, but I'd do more watercolours if I thought I stood a better chance of selling them, so - any ideas welcome for safer transport.
Posted
I don't look in at the forum much these days as it seems (to me at least) to have lost its way somewhat so I was pleased to come across this discussion even though it seems to have morphed a bit from its start.
Before I launch off can I say that my observations only apply to work which which would normally be displayed behind glass.
There has been much discussion over the years in the forum about materials and, if I have understood it correctly, the general consensus is that, apart from practice work, one should always aspire to use good quality materials (paints, paper brushes etc). So I wonder why it is that this general 'rule' should be disregarded when it comes to presentation of art work.
If you take pride in your work then take pride in the way it is presented, impress potential buyers that they are buying something of quality! Even mediocre work can look good if it is presented in a professional way - not that I am suggesting that any of our contributors paint mediocre work. Dug myself a hole there - hope I've got out of it!!
There has been mention of acrylic (for acrylic read plastic) being used instead of glass but, rightly or wrongly, acrylic has a reputation for being at the lower end of the market and I have certainly never knowingly seen it used as a substitute for glass in any reputable gallery or museum. When I present my work I want to impress any potential purchaser that they are buying something of quality so plastic is a big no no.
The same goes for pre-made frames from places like The Works, Ikea et al. When I display my work I want it to be shown at its best which means being presented in far more classy looking frames than you can buy off the shelf. I'm afraid, for me at least, these cheap alternatives give out the wrong impression. Also the cheaper pre-made frames have skimpy inadequate mounts (probably for cost reasons) which may be okay for photographs but do not lie well with works of art. Again take the lead from displays in reputable galleries.
When it comes to selling overseas (or even posting in the UK) I only sell my work, whether it be watercolours, abstracts or whatever, mounted and professionally wrapped in celophane - I refuse to post works in frames with glass. When I say professionally mounted I mean by reputable framers who make a far better job of it than I do - again no cutting corners - presentation is key. Having said that sales overseas have dried up this year thanks to the virus but here's hoping.
So in summary, and I know I'm probably repeating myself, take pride in your work and how it is presented and don't skimp when it comes to presentation.
Posted
Absolutely agree here Michael, presentation is key when showcasing your work to its best advantage.
I’ve also never come across any spectacular ‘off the shelf frames’, that’s because they don’t exist! Cheap and nasty Ikea and Wilko’s frames are the quickest way to lose credibility!
A good gallery won’t accept any work that isn’t professionally framed, they have high standards and a reputation to consider...
Posted
I agree with both Michael and Alan re plastic. Hate the look of it. It' s uplifting to sell your work but I, personally, have never compromised on frames. Nowadays , being " old", I paint and frame what I would hang in my own house, I don' t paint to make money, the sale of a painting has always been a bonus, the lovely feeling that someone else likes it. I'm often amazed when I see a badly chosen frame for a rather good piece of art.
Posted
Hurray for decent frames....... I’ve used ezeframe on line hence my leaning to acrylic/ plastic. I don’t do much stuff these days that needs glass / acrylic. Personally they don’t look bad..but I know what you mean.
I also have a lovely local framer who I discuss with what looks right .
I used to hang exhibitions for our local society and the difference between cheap and nasty was so obvious.
Why put your heart and soul into a painting then frame it with crap.......if you sell your paintings just include the price of the frame in your asking price .
Also mounts should be done properly not skimpy little apertures where you have to cut off a foot or a flower head to make a fit...
Hello Michael...🌻
Edited
by Sylvia Evans
Posted
An interesting thread that's shifted focus, as is often the case. I guess we all want our pictures to look their best, I don't sell work but hang a few on my walls. What the 'best' is, like everything else in life, is down to opinion. I've had frames with glass and acrylic. I can detect no difference...perfectly happy with acrylic. Going to a reputable gallery will show good examples of framing. It will also show bad examples. (Example...A tiny delightful drawing framed in a massive mount in a great clod-hopping cart-horse of a frame, that totally detracted from the drawing. I thought it killed the drawing. Someone else may have drooled over it. Just opinion.)
A while back I needed a frame for an oil painting. It was not a 'standard' size, so I couldn't find a ready-made frame. I had it framed. I like simple frames, in this case I settled for a slim black frame, unglazed...it cost me £50. Hanging alongside it are very similar frames from Wilkinson's, bought for next to nothing. They look just as good.
I think Anth's frame for his car painting looks just fine.
The next time I need a frame, if I can get one that suits me from Wilko for £10, I will. If for some reason I have to pay more at a framer, I'll do that. I don't move in the world of art galleries, so they can keep their credibility.
My oil, framed for £50, would look just as good in a £10 Wilko frame...had I been able to get one.
Like the paintings/drawings themselves, good presentation is all down to opinion.