Are you planning to visit a few art museums this fall? Whether you’re visiting Walters Art Museum in Baltimore or the Met in New York City, you should pay close attention to the fine art on display. This is especially true if you’re interested in framing a piece of your own. It’s in museums that we are typically exposed to high-quality framing techniques for the first time. The frames themselves may have escaped your attention before, however, since you were likely more concerned with the art itself.
When it comes to framing artwork, it’s important to understand the basics of how professional framing works. This includes the best techniques to consider, what makes a high-quality frame, and how to avoid pitfalls. These concepts can be tricky for most of us, which is why we rely on a group of experts to guide the way. Furthermore, it’s easier to understand framing techniques by understanding the concepts of fine art.
How Can You Use Fine Art to Understand Framing Techniques?
To learn more about framing techniques, we encourage you to pay close attention to the methods used for framing fine art. Factors such as frame style, location, lighting and orientation play a major role in how the final piece appears. Whether you own a commercial establishment or you’re looking to frame artwork in your home, keeping these things in mind may prove helpful:
Display Location and Lighting
If you’ve ever walked through a fine art museum, you know how important location and lighting are. Ornate images are usually spaced farther apart to allow multiple viewers to focus on one piece at a time. Sure, crowds of people may not be looking at the wedding photos displayed in your home, but the same concept applies. Even a small amount of spacing between frames makes a big difference if you’re hanging several. This adds a sense of balance and symmetry to your space.
Lighting is equally important. After all, you want people to be able to see your artwork! Indeed, we don’t tend to notice picture lights, spotlights, or overhead fixtures at art museums, but they’re always there. If your image includes plenty of dark colors or you’re placing the frame in a dim area, lighting is something you’ll want to consider. Is there enough natural light in the space to illuminate your art?
Frames Complement Artwork. They Shouldn’t Be the Focal Point
One important framing technique is knowing how to identify your focal point. Most frames aren’t the main focus; they’re the icing on the cake. Ideally, frames support the images within and improve their overall appearance. Custom fine art framers always apply this concept to their work. They ask themselves, is the frame taking over the piece? Does my eye go to the frame first, or the artwork? Of course, there are exceptions. Some outlandish frames pair well with equally eccentric works of art. However, in most cases, you’ll want to make your artwork the focal point (just like the experts do).
Frame Style Matches the Subject Matter
In most cases, fine art frames are compatible with the subject matter. This doesn’t mean that green landscapes require frames of the same color. Instead, consider what your image is conveying and what style of art you’re framing. In museums, baroque paintings are often complemented by elaborate baroque framing styles. This kind of frame is meant to stand out and make a strong impression. In a senior living center, you might choose simple, secure frames because the purpose of the artwork is different. It’s meant to add a sense of atmosphere to the space; residents probably won’t be staring at the images for long periods of time. Ultimately, every framing project is different and requires an individual assessment.
Partner with The Chessler Company for Professional Framing Today
Family owned and operated since 1959, The Chessler Company specializes in providing expert style art and picture framing services to anyone in need of a quality framing provider. To learn more about professional framing techniques, call us at (410) 358-5161, and let us help you decorate your home or business!