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About Sara Tro
Expertise
I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience
I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials
BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Picture Framing and Art Preservation > Help on these 2 watercolors
Expert: Sara Tro
Date: 2/23/2008
Subject: Help on these 2 watercolors
Question
Hi, Sara,
It's me again! I am really stuck with the first 2 watercolors that I am starting to frame. There are a lot of white or close to white spaces in the paintings. Using white or off-white mat would be suitable, yet they might look too boring or bright. Thus, for the painting 1, I chose a very light peachy mat. I am happy with it. There are a lot of orange tones and browns, so using a honey stained wood frame should look fine. I love natural looking wood finishes, yet I am afraid that my fondness of natural wood would take over the decision making. I don't see often plain natural wood frame used for watercolors, though. It does still look blend to me. (please click on the link to see p1). What's your suggestion?
For painting 2, I chose a pale green mat that is similar to the color part of the mountains. However, I am not sure if it is too dark, because there are big white areas. Natural wood finish frame does not seem suitable for p2. I am thinking of either a filigreen that bears a similar tone in the painting, or a white/gray washed wood frame. Please see pictures p2a and p2b. I am sorry for the unclear pictures. Sara, please give me some advice. I am so stock.
Answer
Hi Judy,
Well, it seems you're on a good track, but I couldn't see any attachments to the message so I can't really give a specific opinion. I'm not sure if this "all Experts" site gives a way for me to view attachments, as I've never seen a link to one on a message before.
So, as I haven't seen the specific images, it would be hard to give really solid advice on them.
But...
As a general rule, I'd just make sure that the frames are darker, even just slightly, than the mats, and that you don't choose colors for the mats that are redundant or overly emphasizing of one major color in the piece. The peach sounds ok, just make sure it's not too much color. A slight peachy tint can be fine, but adding too much color can make the art look less mature. I would usually opt for a slightly darker neutral, like tan or grey, over a color, for the mat, but if the piece has none of those colors, you can certainly get away with the peachy color. It sounds like it looks blendy to you because the frame isn't dark enough to pull out any of the shadow tones in the piece. You don't want the frame to match the darkest color in the piece, but to not be the same value as the mat, or as the majority of the piece. If you squint at the artwork, make sure the frame doesn't blend in with the mat tone.
As for the second piece, it sounds like the green mat may work out, but not if there is a lot of green in the piece. Use the green, in that case, as a second (under) mat as an accent color, if you really want to use it in the piece. Even then it may still be too redundant. Having not seen the picture, I would say that the lighter frame, (whether it be natural wood or the white wash) may be too light. Or the mat may be too dark. If there are dark tones in the mountain picture, you will want to choose a frame that will help contain the artwork, or else it'll look uncomfortable in the frame. I would probably choose a natural wood, stained a darker color than natural, like a walnut maybe, and then use a neutral mat with maybe an accent in a nice, less redundant color in the art.
Again, as I haven't seen the attachments you sent, I can't really say, so if you feel good about the choices, then go for it!! You know what you like, and you know how it makes you feel when you see it together. Using these simple guidelines will help, but mostly it's up to your instinct to tell you if you'll get sick of the piece in a month, or if you don't think it looks right. Listen to your gut, telling you it doesn't feel right, and you'll never wind up with a badly framed picture! Get professional help when you need to, even if it's just to get some ideas. Most framers will be happy to help you with a quote and then you can always do the work yourself! (Framers are shooting darts at me right now!)
If you are really stuck, you can email me personally, but I'd rather keep correspondence tied to this site.
Let me know how you fare with this one, and best of luck to you!
Sara
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