Framing is such a personal process as there are so many things to consider, from the colours within the painting or artwork print, available space, home design and budget. Not only that, but when framing a pet portrait or bold piece of animal artwork, you want the frame to be just as special as the art so that they complement one another, and truly reflect your own personal taste and style. This is why I do not offer a framing service, and when purchasing pieces of work myself I often opt for them as unframed so that I can find one that is exactly what I am looking for.
Framing also DOES NOT need to be an expensive process! Yes, art is a luxury that can often come with a hefty price tag, however, to keep costs low when I am on a budget I like to shop around when choosing a frame. When opting for a cheaper art print, perhaps you do not want a fancy frame but more of a cheaper option, so learning how to DIY when it comes to framing is a must.
So, whether you are looking to purchase a Mairi Makes custom pet portrait, or you already have a piece of artwork that you would like to frame, here are my top tips to help you start the search for your perfect frame.
What size of frame do I need?
I always recommend opting for the largest frame that space allows, as this creates a bigger impact and draws attention to the piece, whether it is a memorial painting of a beloved pet, or a colourful art print that you want to make a statement with.
Choosing a larger frame also allows you to make the most out of the piece. Perhaps it is a small painting, and so you want it to fill more space on the wall. This is going to again help you fill that space, and make more of a statement.
I would recommend using the measurements of the wall where you would like the hang the artwork and finding a frame that will fit nicely within that, make sure you leave some wall space surrounding this too.
For example, you may wish to purchase an A4 frame for an A5 piece of artwork.
What colour of frame should I choose?
One of the most subjective areas of framing is the colour of frame to choose. There are so many varieties to choose from including metallic frames, wooden frames or even more elaborate vintage frames.
When searching for the perfect frame for your pet portrait or art print, it is important to take into account the decor in your home to make sure this will complement your own style. Not only that, but the colour of the frame could change the look of the painting itself. For example, a more bright and bold painting may suit a bolder frame, whereas a more delicate or light piece would perhaps benefit from a white or light wood frame.
Trying out a few frames would be ideal in this scenario, either by purchasing a few options or by taking the piece safely to a shop. Your local framers will also be incredibly helpful in exploring more options with you.
What size of mount should I get?
When opting for a large frame than the artwork itself, you need to fill that extra space within the frame. You may have noticed a white paper border that often come with a lot of frames which are called mounts. Mounting your artwork again adds to the drama of the piece, creating a border and drawing attention to the art itself.
The key to finding the right mount for your artwork is to make sure that the outer measurements will fit within the chosen frame, but that the inner measurements are just slightly smaller than the piece you are framing. That way, everything will fit perfectly within one another without any gaps appearing.
What colour of mount should I buy?
As my pet portraits and animal paintings are more on the colourful side, I tend to opt for a white mount to not take away from their boldness. However, some pieces may benefit from a more colourful or darker mount.
You can try some different colours by holding paper or objects of different colours against the piece to figure out what looks good, but again your local framers will be of great help to you in this.
My absolute TOP TIP on choosing the right mount, however, is to not underestimate the colour variations in white. Some white paper has more of a cool, blue undertone whereas some are more of a creamy colour. As you can see in this example, the print is a bluer white and the mount is more cream so they do not sit quite right against one another.
Tips for displaying and hanging frames
When shopping for frames, especially on the lower end of the price scale, some things are often overlooked. Make sure to find a frame that has the correct back fittings that you need. For example, do you want one with a stand to sit on a table or desk, or do you need one with wall hanging fittings? These are incredibly important to consider and you do not want to wait until you have received a frame in the post for you discover it is not right.
I hope these tips help you in the process of framing your pet portrait, painting or art print. If you would like to discuss a custom piece of work from Mairi Makes, please feel free to contact me at mairimakes@outlook.com for more information or visit my pet portrait commissions page.