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Dermot Brennan

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Posted
I'm wondering about my fellow artists and preferences for framing and reactions towards the frame ; most my work now is watercolour and I frame in a thin off white frame with a four and a half inch double ; here is an example of one of my latest hanging in the splendid Kildare gallery , carton house ...I've tried various different dimensions in mounts and frames over the years and finally settled on this . I think a good frame can make and break a painting and people will not purchase if the frame is not top quality and appealing .
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Jim Morris

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Posted
I never frame anything Dermot as I'm not a selling artist. One thing I do for amusement is virtual frame things using saving my images to My Pictures then using paint to pull an image of one of several frames taken from Google Images to see the effect. This is one of my original paintings with virtual frame as an example. You are right that a frame can make or break a work. Jim.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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Almost irrespective of the work, and there are of course exceptions, I think a frame sets off a painting and helps focus the eye. I like your frame (and Wanderer's virtual frame) - and I don't like paintings without frames, or the manufacturers who sell box canvases inviting you to paint around the edges and telling you "no need to frame!", because I think they're naff. But other opinions are available. http://www.isleofwightlandscapes.net http://www.wightpaint.blogspot.co.uk
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Alan Green

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Posted
I picked up some old picture/ photo frames from a local charity shop. Those I've used have set the picture off well and I really ought to take framing more seriously.
michael

Michael Edwards

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In this neck of the woods white frames (and black) have gone a bit out of favour. I have found a silver frame with a flat profile the edges of which are mat black. I buy in bulk direct from a local framer at very competitive prices compared to what I have been paying. They have gone down very well locally, look classy, and are suitable for both contemporary and traditional settings. Importantly for me, they go really well with both my watercolours and my abstracts. By way of testament, on seeing them, one customer recently asked me to swap a frame over from the one originally supplied. The only draw back is that the silver gilt is subject to damage if not treated with care (exhibitions are the worse culprits here) but they are well worth it.
michael

Michael Edwards

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There is always a problem with personal taste and needs. I often put a label on my work - I forget the exact words without going to the studio but it reads something along these lines: 'If this Frame Doesn't Meet Your needs Alternative Frames Are Available - Please Do Not Hesitate To Ask'.

Michael Robinson

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Posted
I don't frame my paintings as like Jim, I don't sell them, they are kept in a file. Jim I would be interested in your virtual frames which are lovely, what programme do you use for this? I have framing in my gallery photo programme but Jim's look so much more professional.
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Jim Morris

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Margaret. I just use Microsoft Paint. I look for frame images on "Google Images" and save some I like to "My Pictures". I just go to Paint, then edit af rame image over, then a picture and fiddle around with the handles to size it to suit the frame. It's very simple really. Once they are saved back to My Pictures from Paint I just crop, resize and edit them to suit. Jim.
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Linda Wilson

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I went to an exhibition by Pip McGarry, wildlife painter, whose paintings sell for tens of thousands of pounds. His oils are framed in wide frames (e.g. 5 inches) which are edged in gold or silver, with a darker bevelled section in between. But I think that if possible the frame should be the customer's choice. For instance I have some feature walls in raw creamy colour brick. White looks odd on them, as does silver. But black, Gold or dark brown, look fine.
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Jim Morris

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Although I don't frame my own work I've framed quite a few things over time. I have about six William Russell Flint prints (please note, prints, not proofs or originals) around my walls at home . Most of them have this type of favourite frame that I show here virtually on one of my own paintings.
michael

Michael Edwards

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Not the best of photos - taken in the studio - but it should give some idea of the frames I am using. Although not clear in this photo they are silver and the outer edges are mat black.

Alan Bickley

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Well that looks smashing Michael, I'm using a similar style and size but in Gunmetal. Where are you buying these from?, mine are from Cadremont in Wales, lovely quality but always happy to hear other suggestions. Alan
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