Framing for a Show

Carolyn Ortiz · 12-03-2002, 07:02 PM

Hello All,

Just found out I have been accepted into a show!

1st National show so I want to make sure to do it right! It is for the CPSA Explore This Show to be held in Florida in February. They used to have information about the style of framing and matting they preferred but I can no longer find it on their website. I do rememeber though, that they wanted simple frames and neutral mats.

There are quite a few colors in my piece including lots of beiges and grays, so I'm trying to figure out what might look the best and still follow their rules.

Do you think a single mat with a fillet would be a bad idea? Or possibly double matting?

Just wanted some help with ideas if anyone gets the chance.

Thank you.

Michele Rushworth · 12-07-2002, 05:35 PM

Congratulations! It's a very nice piece.

I would double mat everything you create on paper in white (both mats) and use a neutral colored wooden frame (gold, natural wood, etc) in a traditional, simple style. Be sure the mats are acid free or the edges will turn yellow in just a few years and will cause your artwork to deteriorate, too. A gold filet is nice but adds a lot to the cost. That would be optional, depending on where a piece was going to hang.

If the organization running the show has specific requirements you should probably contact them to be safe. They might have dimensions in mind for the mats or who knows what. Try to phone them, perhaps.

Chris Saper · 12-07-2002, 05:51 PM

Michele's advice is on the money, Carolyn. Some shows will not accept colored mats at all.

You must also check with them before framing as many shows require Plexiglas instead of regular glass.

One of the things you might consider in choosing a frame is selecting one that would be a good frame for all your work under glass, and one that is affordable enough to frame enough peices for a show or exhibit of your own.

Some years ago I decided to use a standard mat and frame for all my pastels (mine are very inexpensive, I get them from Frame Fit here: http://framefit.com/) as I can deliver a framed piece to clients, offer to buy back frames if they would (PLEASE!) go to a professional framer, and they don't cost enough for me to worry about ever seeing again. I began working in standard sizes some years ago, so I can order a bunch of frame pieces at a time, and always have the right size on hand. The plus is that when I would do an exhibit,I would have uniform frames...improving the look of all my work as a cohesive body, rather than it looking like I spent most of my time framing at garage sales.

When I started to do oils some years later, I bought a number of handmade frames, also in the common standard sizes I tend to use, that are actually beautiful (and $). When I exhibit oils, they too have a cohesive look. If someone wants to buy one of the frames I have, that's fine, but I have no interest in becoming a framer. I can just pop paintings in and out of various frames, whatever I might need for a given show or presentation. Although my frames are expensive, they look it, and show my work off to its best.

Good luck!

Mike McCarty · 12-08-2002, 12:52 AM

I recently read Daniel Greene's pastel book. In the back he has a chapter on frames and mats. He says that he prefers not to mat his pastels. So my last pastel I took to the framer I selected a very nice frame, no mat. I don't like the look at all. I wish I would have gone all the way with a double mat.

Michele Rushworth · 12-08-2002, 12:07 PM

I wonder why he doesn't mat his pastels. One of the main purposes of a mat is to lift the glass up away from the surface of the pastel, so it doesn't stick to the glass and smear. That's why I always used a double mat: to give the glass that much more distance from the chalk.

I also like the look of visually isolating the artwork that a good-sized mat gave.

Chris Saper · 12-08-2002, 04:00 PM

I too generally prefer the look of a mat. However, I have framed many pastels without a mat. I use the extruded plastic spacers, 1/8 inch, and press their adhesive side to the glass, then lay in the picture. It's always an aggravation, though, getting the painting to stay with the board when the paper hasn't previously been dry-mounted.

Jean Kelly · 12-09-2002, 12:58 AM

Hi Carolyn. If their rules allow, I see this with a double mat and simple frame. Just my two cents worth. Good luck at the show, let us know how it turns out.

Jean

Josef Sy · 12-09-2002, 08:51 AM

Hi Carolyn,

Very nice piece. I really like the composition. What is the medium and size?

Chris Saper · 12-09-2002, 09:49 AM

Josef,

There's a very nice thread about this painting and its process here: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...&threadid=1336

Carolyn Ortiz · 12-09-2002, 03:03 PM

Michele,

Thanks! I think double matting is the way to go. I did just what you said and contacted some other members, who've helped me out with the exact rules, which do, actually include mat dimensions. Thanks for the hints!

Chris,

Yes they do require plexiglass. Boy, is it expensive! Since, I am planning on entering more shows I think I will look into your way of framing. And absolutely force myself to start working on standard sizes! Thank you so much for the link, I think that's exactly what I'm looking for.

Thanks Mike, Jean and Josef!

I'm pretty excited! I will be double matting with a simple frame. Thanks everyone for all the help!