Mats

[EGGARTNJP]

I'd be very interested in a discussion on the variety of ways to mat your print/painting.
Mostly interested in why artists have chosen certain mat cut designs. Do you add objects which relate to your work? Eg the painting of a fish with small frames containing lures.
Any tips on how not to go overboard? Critiques on "what not to do"? Tips on size of print vs size of object?
It would be interesting to view the different ways that artists mat their work. Any links I could visit to see & learn? Thanks,

[scottb]

Hey gang - moving this one to the Cafe - doesn't belong in the Teacher's Toolbox forum...

Cheers.
Scott

[sandge]

Once upon a time I used to worry endlessly about framing. What type of moulding, what colour mount card - or matting as I believe you say. And since I do pastels they really need a double mount to keep them away from the glass, which means possibly two different colours to choose. Trouble is it gets a bit visually confusing and I've had someone turn down a painting because the colour of the wood wouldn't go with their room. Even offering to reframe didn't change their mind - first impressions count.
Now I frame all my paintings the same way: plain gold frame and 3" double cream mount. Having all the paintings framed the same way means that if you exhibit several together, they look as if they belong together. But it's also like having them in a uniform which doesn't draw attention to itself and people focus on the picture not the framing.
I had stopped giving my framing a second thought until I discovered the other week that they've stopped making the moulding I always use. So I had to pick another - it took ages! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif
sandra