TO FRAME OR NOT TO FRAME?
There are many ways to display artwork, and thankfully, there's no wrong way to do it! It comes down to personal taste, informed by the painting's style and installation location. Keep reading to see the different options we're fond of at Sorelle Gallery.
ORNATE VS. MINIMALIST FRAMING
Representing around 40 artists means that Sorelle Gallery sees its fair share of framing, and there are numerous approaches.
Ornate gold frames are a classic, timeless way to display paintings. This lavish framing style can be more expensive, and can be used to elevate the painting itself; to give it a more dynamic and historic feel.
In comparison, a more minimalist approach to displaying artwork is called a floater frame. This frame type gives space (or floats) the artwork within it. Typically these frames are used with the intention of highlighting the art, with the frame almost secondary to the painting. A floater frame provides a finished appearance that pushes the artwork into the spotlight.
ABOVE: "Lilacs" by John Traynor is professionally framed in an ornate frame with linen liner.
"Elixir" by Antonia Tyz-Peeples is professionally framed in a minimalist champagne-hued 1/2 inch floater frame.
ABOVE: A collection of Nantucket-themed paintings by Susan Jositas framed in intentionally distressed, traditional silver-hued frame with white linen liner
NO FRAME NECESSARY
A common trend in contemporary artwork installation is to forego framing entirely. Gallery-wrapped canvases provide artists with the option to paint the sides a clean grey, silver or gold; or extend the painting around the edges, allowing collectors to purchase and hang same-day! A gallery-wrapped canvas provides a seamless presentation that is clean and minimalistic. Canvas is folded around thick stretcher bars (typically 1 1/2-2 inch profile) and stapled to the back of the bars, instead of the sides. BELOW: Artist Elwood Howell paints his signature 'frame' directly onto the canvas, as displayed in "Slow Morning".
BELOW: Ned Martin's work, "Time and Time Again" is painted on reclaimed aluminum printing panels, therefore, leaving the sides exposed is part of the work itself and showcases the unique surface text under the paint.
FRAMING RESOURCES
Since everyone's taste is different, there are occasions when the artist presents the piece without a frame and the buyer prefers it with one. Thankfully there are a number of local New Canaan framers and online resources to get that done!
HANDWRIGHT GALLERY & FRAMING
93 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm (203) 966-7660
NEW CANAAN FRAME & ART GALLERY
52 East Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840 Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm (203) 966-8483
FRAMEMAKER'S PICTURE FRAMING & ART GALLERY
3004 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 Tuesday - Friday: 8:30am - 5pm Saturday: 8:30am - 4pm (203) 338-0332
ROCKWELL ART & FRAMING
9 Burtis Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840 (203) 594-7177
Need any framing advice after purchasing a gorgeous work of art from Sorelle Gallery? We're here to give you any advice and help you through the process!
