The Final Frame

There're a couple of notes on framing I think

important to include at this point in our tour...

Gallery wrap is neither a gallery nor a wrap. It's a

style of framing, but there is no `frame.' The painting is

the framing.  This is achieved by having the image run

beyond the border of the canvas. It can either continue into

a black color or one complimentary to the painting. This

wrap is usually used on artwork with more trendy or

commercial subject matter. When done properly the gallery

wrap has a sleek contemporary look. This permits you to

hang the piece without having to spend money on a

frame.

If you're thinking of buying your art with the gallery's

frame, compare your final price to the artist retail price list.

This will give you a good indication of how much you're

paying for the frame. If you're in doubt, buy your piece

unframed and just get a framing list of what the gallery

used, go home and check it out for yourself.

If you're nervous about damage to your artwork and

its framing, have your frame professional steer you toward

frames with more impact resistance and durability. Some

frame types stand up to rough handling so long as you're

not drop testing them from third floor windows. In most

home environments, I would suggest getting a sturdy frame,

this way should you move, accidentally bump it or throw a

shoe at the kids but miss and hit the frame you have a

better chance for its survival.

If you have a collectable artwork do not allow your

framer to adhere this artwork with anything or to

anything other than products which can be naturally