The "Framing" Fine Art

After you have chosen your Fine Art move it around in your home for two weeks by placing it on the wall in different locations.  When you know which room for sure, you and the framer cam make judgments as to the correct mats and molding that will blend with the room.  Some would say to stay with the period and era of the furnishings, but, this is where many people fail.

It is far more important to stay within the era or style of the image to maximize the presence of the the Piece.  You will probably own your art for up to 40 years and possibly pass it on, as an heirloom to your daughter or daughter-in-law's house.  That lovely wonderful couch will last for 7 years (average life span) so it is best not to design framing around your furniture.  When your next life style becomes a reality, it will look supremely dumb if you had designed the frame to mirror a long dead sofa.

The other common mistake in framing choices is to let the frame over power the the image.  Enhance, but do not compete with the image.  Simple rules to follow:  if it is all pastels, go with even lighter pastels.  If it is Photo Print go with high gloss mats because the high gloss of the photo makes a rag mat look utterly dead.  Whatever color is the predominate background color, use that as your outer mat... BUT 25% LIGHTER IN COLOR VALUE, THAN THE IMAGE. 

Additionally, always hang your art as soon as you get it home even if it is without a frame.  This does not apply to rolled prints or canvases.  Do not bear the risk of it getting your new Piece damaged by placing it behind a chair, or door where it can be bumped, or stepped on.  It happens more often then not.  Don't fall victim of waiting to hang your art, and losing something you fell in love with.  Repair is costly, and some damage is irreversible. 

A final note, of truly wonderful art which deserves to be framed truly wonderfully, ask yourself one question:  whenever your friends or family have to move, what is the one thing they always want to take with them?  They want to take their Art.  It matters,  this is where they have put there heart and soul and memories.  Frame it precisely right the first time.