Framing and Presenting

3/17/2017 7:22:56 PM

Framing& Presenting

Last Oct. 2016, I learned how to stretch watercolor paper on stretcher bars. Canvas is usually stretched and mounted on bars. I remove the canvas and mount 140 paper over the bars.

Watercolors’ have traditionally been framed under glass; larger watercolors under glass can get quite heavy. Transporting framed paintings under glass can weaken or stress the frame and there is a glare with the glass.

Over the past few years galleries have been requesting/insisting that the glass be replaced with Plexiglas making the framed painting light to transport but plexi scratches easy and the glare is still there.

I know what you’re thinking glass and plexi both come in museum quality no glare glass and plexi. Very pricey.

My more recent pieces (in the last 3 years) are all currently framed in black frames with white or cream matting. This is done for two reasons.

When doing a solo show the work stands on its own with all pieces uniformly framed.
The buyer may want to have the piece reframed more to their taste and décor.

Floater frames seem to be the perfect answer for the pieces mounted on stretcher bars. Floater frames frame the outside of the piece leaving maybe a ¼ inch of space between the frame and painting.

Without the glass the piece seems delicate and vulnerable, yet it is the perfect answer and they look so lovely framed this way, extra care will have to be taken when transporting.

Keeping the Brushes Wet,

p.s. the painting is coated with a UV protective finish that also protects the painting, gentle cleaning can be done without harming the painting.