After a lovely day at Filoli Gardens in the Bay area on Tuesday , March 4th, I selected a row of tulips from my photos as our painting selection for Thursday's class in Austin. They were so brilliantly red and sassy....sitting along a rock wall that bordered a path...they just had to be my choice.
We began our class with a small discussion on framing watercolors which can get expensive when doing your own art work, especially if you are prolific. I am not an archival framer but I do think it's important to be aware of some basics to protect your artwork and to consider completing your frames on your own. Currently, I order mine online from American Frame ( although there are other choices) where you get a large selection of styles and can even upload your own artwork to "try on" various frames ( stained or painted wood, metals, ornate or simple, wide or slim) and mats. A complete set with frame, mat , backing and your choice of glass or acrylic is then sent directly to you at a reasonable price. You can expect prompt delivery whereas many frame shops have a 3 week waiting period and it can be quite pricey. Not to say that some paintings don't deserve that professional touch.
Frames are also works of art on their own so one suggestion is to not have them compete with your art. Keep it simple. This is especially true if you will be entering a Show. Many restrict ornate frames, mats must be white and they will not accept glass; they will state the specifications in the Show prospectus.
1. Use an acid-free mat so that there is a space between your painting and the glass or acrylic that will be on top of it.
2. Make sure to take a good photograph of your artwork before framing it in case you want reprints later.
3. Assemble all in a clean and spacious area with a few tools such as a framing gun, hanging wire and wall protective bumps for the bottom corners.
4. Attach your painting to the back of the mat with a safe release tape that holds the image in place but does not invade any more of your paper than is absolutely necessary. Add a layer of foam core behind the painting.
5. For wood frames, use frame points to secure the sandwich of the glass or protective acrylic surface, matted painting and foam core inside the frame. Be generous and use mirror imag points on top, bottom and sides for best support.
6. Use double back tape to apply a sheet of protective paper over the framed and well pointed sandwich.
7. For wood frames, when attaching the wire ( never use claw tooth hangars) space each round headed screw 1/3 of the way down the sides of the frame. Thread the wire tautly across the back of the painting. This will keep it flat against a wall when hanging. Protect the wall by using small protectors on the bottom corners.
You are ready to hang. If you are planning to sell this piece, remember to include not only your fees for the frame but also the cost of your time and expertise to frame it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We also got excited about an app called Waterlogue that allows one to plan a watercolor by uploading your photo directly to it and in about 20 seconds, voila!... once sketched, variations can be used to try a variety of techniques. This will save sooooo much time! Here is one example:
My photo redone in Waterlogue............
Try it and have fun.
We began our class with a small discussion on framing watercolors which can get expensive when doing your own art work, especially if you are prolific. I am not an archival framer but I do think it's important to be aware of some basics to protect your artwork and to consider completing your frames on your own. Currently, I order mine online from American Frame ( although there are other choices) where you get a large selection of styles and can even upload your own artwork to "try on" various frames ( stained or painted wood, metals, ornate or simple, wide or slim) and mats. A complete set with frame, mat , backing and your choice of glass or acrylic is then sent directly to you at a reasonable price. You can expect prompt delivery whereas many frame shops have a 3 week waiting period and it can be quite pricey. Not to say that some paintings don't deserve that professional touch.
Frames are also works of art on their own so one suggestion is to not have them compete with your art. Keep it simple. This is especially true if you will be entering a Show. Many restrict ornate frames, mats must be white and they will not accept glass; they will state the specifications in the Show prospectus.
1. Use an acid-free mat so that there is a space between your painting and the glass or acrylic that will be on top of it.
2. Make sure to take a good photograph of your artwork before framing it in case you want reprints later.
3. Assemble all in a clean and spacious area with a few tools such as a framing gun, hanging wire and wall protective bumps for the bottom corners.
4. Attach your painting to the back of the mat with a safe release tape that holds the image in place but does not invade any more of your paper than is absolutely necessary. Add a layer of foam core behind the painting.
5. For wood frames, use frame points to secure the sandwich of the glass or protective acrylic surface, matted painting and foam core inside the frame. Be generous and use mirror imag points on top, bottom and sides for best support.
6. Use double back tape to apply a sheet of protective paper over the framed and well pointed sandwich.
7. For wood frames, when attaching the wire ( never use claw tooth hangars) space each round headed screw 1/3 of the way down the sides of the frame. Thread the wire tautly across the back of the painting. This will keep it flat against a wall when hanging. Protect the wall by using small protectors on the bottom corners.
You are ready to hang. If you are planning to sell this piece, remember to include not only your fees for the frame but also the cost of your time and expertise to frame it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We also got excited about an app called Waterlogue that allows one to plan a watercolor by uploading your photo directly to it and in about 20 seconds, voila!... once sketched, variations can be used to try a variety of techniques. This will save sooooo much time! Here is one example:
Try it and have fun.
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