Just revisited this tutorial on framing and it had a lot of good info. I too had questions on full sheet of WC paper or even half sheet not fitting into standard size frame. You had lots of good info. Thanks so much
Thank you 🙏. Hi Angela, as always I love your heartfelt thoughts and information about framing. Your knowledge and willingness to share means that I’ve been following you since I’ve started the sometimes fickle medium of watercolour.
For black and white photos and some watercolor paintings white mats work well but white mats can also steal the attention of the viewer because they are the brightest element around the art and can make the art not the subject but the white mat itself instead. Choosing colored mats work best when the inner mat draws the viewers attention to the center of the art and the outer mat is a neutral tone coming from the arts own color palette. I also would recommend using UV glass or acrylic so that the colors don’t fade.
You can always use the smaller pieces of watercolor paper for cards. I normally lose about 2" off all 4 sides of a full sheet. I like a 1/2 inch border on my paintings, and while stretching the paper the gummed tape takes up another inch or so. I do love cradle boards for mounting. I always give them a good sanding beforehand. Thanks for the the tips 😊 Great video!
Perfect video! I’m a professional framer and got a job at a frame shop to learn how to frame my watercolors professionally. The main thing that has baffled me since starting is the size thing with watercolor paper!! It’s quite annoying to have a painting planned and it not fit inside standard sizes, custom framing is just too expensive for most artists who want to sell at a reasonable price and still make money off the art. Just remember, archival =reversible so although wood mounting looks cool it is stuck that way forever and therefore may decrease the value of the piece. I could see doing it with prints though.
I have put Daniel Smith waterground on a canvas just to try and it did work. I challenge you to try this. I used the canvas panel for acrylic and oils. Not sure how archival it is. I was just playing around trying new things. I sanded the ground once dry to smooth is out.
Yes, I have a friend who paints on canvas regularly! The woven texture of canvas isn't my favourite but I can see trying it after coating with a watercolor ground or gesso and sanding it. When I get time...
Not any easier here in the US either. It's always bugged me....though I do like mounting mine on wood panels these days. Haha, I don't cut my own mats either.....I never could stand doing it. Agree, simple and clean is the most elegant and best looking/supporting for your art (and required in the case of many shows). Good video - great advice!
If enough painters requested sizes of panels for watercolor paper sizes, do you think a company like Opus would source them for us? I watched your video about mounting on cradled panels a few years ago, but I mount the paper first and then paint. A commission I painted first then mounted after ended in tears. Painted again and the client had it mounted into a drop frame and loved it! The risk of painting on the board is the painting is garbage and you have to mount another piece of paper overtop. I'm okay with that. I've also tried stretcher bars, but same size issue, although, then it could be hung like an acrylic or oil canvas painting. THANK YOU for these videos!!! 🙂
I think to get the quantities that would make them affordable, it would take a LOT of artists requesting. I do get my panels custom made when I need a particular size, but they are much more expensive than standard sizes.
Hi angela! thanks for this! You mention you have tools to take apart your frames. What are those tools and can you show how you take it apart once it is wired? Also, do you ever get your framed paintings backed with the brown paper dust cover and then wired? That covers all those clips, etc. up and makes it look very professional.
I love the idea of placing paintings on wood panels. Unfortunately, the panels I ordered are labeled “unfinished Wood Canvas Wooden Panel Board. I ordered from Amazon and really took my time choosing the product. I definitely was trying to avoid those with canvas. I am not happy with myself for this mishap. Do the boards have to be all wood or do you think what I received will work? Also, which mounting accessories do you use for hanging the boards once the painting is completely dry after preserving it. Thank you in advance.
Hi Angela I only wish I could frame my paintings professionally! I am a local artist and basically sell at costs since art is my hobby. I have been recycling frames for years and sell them this way. I know I have done good pieces and the framing has detracted from its quality.
Would it be possible that by improving your framing, you could increase the value of your work? There have been times when I have "leveled up" my paintings by framing or marketing and it has helped me to increase my pricing and honour my work more. It's just something to think about, and maybe work toward. Every artist and art market is different.
Yes I agree that improving my framing methods would increase the value and thus, the pricing of the pieces. I have been thinking about this and have decided to either use one of my existing paintings or paint another one lol and frame it properly. I will let you know. Thanks. I love that you share your thoughts and feelings about the artistic journey!
Same as they do in the frame shop - I use an archival tape to affix it to the back of the mat, loosely so the paper can expand and contract with any climate changes.
Would you use this same type of frame for selling at an art show, not so much a gallery but more a tent set up? Or is it Better to sell originals with no frame?
