Art frames serve several purposes ranging from practical and aesthetic to conceptual. For instance, consider framing a painting of an old barn with a distressed and weathered wooden frame. For example, Gate Latch Manufacturers a fancy gilt frame may be stunning on its own or when paired with a formal portrait, but this same frame may be the wrong choice for a contemporary painting. Art Frames: Practical ApplicationsFrames are used to provide structure, protect, and display the artwork. While glass and Plexiglas are most often used on photographs and posters, glazing materials that block harmful UV rays are becoming increasingly popular for paintings and prints to protect artwork from fading and deterioration. For example, what the artist or photographer chooses to show is often only part of the story. Think about how you might make an artistic statement with the frame. An unframed painting may look bare or unfinished while a framed piece of art will look complete. Whether you need a frame for one of your paintings or are simply appreciating the art of another artist, pay attention to the frame; it could be telling you that there’s more to the story.
Think about how the frame adds to the artwork’s impact. Artists often frame their artwork deliberately, making the frame as much a part of the art as the canvas itself. When shopping for frames, ask yourself if the frame complements the artwork or competes with it.Art Frames: Aesthetic ConsiderationsIn addition to the practical applications of frames, frames are also important for aesthetic reasons. When viewing art, do the same. Frames provide a boundary, either physical or conceptual, that separate art from reality. When considering the aesthetics, consider the artwork’s subject and style as well as the location where the artwork will be displayed. Physical and conceptual boundaries also make viewers think. Adding a frame to a piece of artwork adds structure to the piece while also making it easier to mount the artwork on walls thanks to the inclusion of mounting hardware. Art frames are made from a variety of materials with countless finishing possibilities. Now what? Equally important is selecting the frame.
Art Frames: Defining Art’s Boundaries Frames are important in art for another reason: Frames define art’s boundaries. If this same painting will be displayed alongside similar pieces, consider coordinating the frames of all of the pieces in the collection for a cohesive look.You’ve selected a gorgeous oil painting, print, photograph, or poster. However, the frame should suit the artwork; it should become a part of the piece, not compete with it. Frames may or may not have glass and matting, but most do have molding, backing, and mounting hardware. As a viewer looks at a carefully framed image, one has to think, “What am I not seeing?”From supporting, protecting, and displaying the artwork to complementing it aesthetically and defining the art’s boundaries, the importance of frames in art can’t be denied.