Not all canvases need frames but when they do, here’s how to elevate them.

How do you decide when to frame and when not to?

Thin Canvases: I would recommend using a surround, like matting (see my previous blog), for depth or double framing the work.

Box Canvases: The joy with box canvases (see illustration) is that flaunting the edges is a thing, meaning you don’t have to frame the canvas. Personally, I made the switch from using both paper and thin canvases to just using box canvases as it is perfectly acceptable to leave them unframed. However, I have recently made the decision to frame my box canvases as I think it gives work another layer of professional finish. That is my personal choice so please decide for yourself how you want to present your work. If you are new to selling your artwork, then it is an added expense which you do not need to make.

Frame Styles:  If you are a contemporary artist making modern abstract works, then consider simple, sleek frames tending towards the thinner side. If you are producing traditional style landscapes, waterscapes or portraits then ornate gold frames work perfectly. Antique shops and some charity shops are perfect places to find this style of frame.

Artist Note:
 Warped canvases or broken frames scream amateur, so invest where you can in quality materials.

Coming Up (next post):
 For artists: How to frame your work to impress buyers.

NB I do not get paid to endorse any people or brands mentioned in my blogs.

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