Framing Scratchboard/Claybord

[artofnature]

Well said Lorna. A bit more succinct than my reply but I do agree with you.

[Foxyheart2002]

Thanks, guys, just one more thing to wrap my mind around! *sigh*

[Foxyheart2002]

This arrived in my inbox today about an exhibition in a gallery that will be juried. I read through all the 'instructions' and this popped out at me......

"The gallery emphasizes that only artwork in professional-quality frames will sell. Bargain frames, home-made frames, and unbecoming frames will prevent the artwork from selling. Paintings on gallery-wrapped canvas should look finished in appearance. The ****** Galleries reserves the right not to hang any artwork that arrives in low-quality frames, is not wired for hanging, or is otherwise deemed unsuitable for appropriate display."

[PaintDog]

Here are two I just finished this afternoon.

I float-mounted 2 small boards (5" x 5") on grey suede mat. Crescent #7141. It has a slightly warm tone.

No glass, 8" x 8" black wood frames. I stuck a piece of 3/8" foam core board to the back of the mat board to give it some extra strength to prevent buckling. Although these small boards don't weigh much, I don't think they'd buckle, but I'm sure this will help. I glued the boards directly to the mat with E6000.

I frame my own work, but needed some ideas from my favorite framer on how best to frame these two little pups. We were looking at various mat colors and as you all know, it can be tough to match the black OR the white in the boards. When he showed me the grey suede sample with the black board, it was perfect! I never would have chosen that, but it really works well because there's so much "grey" in this board. It's pretty good with the white board too, and these will be hanging together, so it makes for a nice "team". The color on the first one is pretty accurate, the art is washed out on the second one.

[birdlover]

I love these framed Paintdog. The grey suede is perfect.

[Crias]

Originally Posted by Foxyheart2002

I was aware of the digital shows or applying in that they want only the artwork, but wasn't sure if the framing in an actual show made a difference. Personally I don't think it should. At that point it becomes who can spend the most on the frame, not who can do the best work. I prefer a simple black frame for my scratchies, but I guess that would not do in a show?

Yes framing can make or break a work when it comes to awards. This does not mean that it has to be expensive, but it should be an asset to the work and not detract from it. For example throwing a bright green mat and a purple frame on your black and white work might not be a great choice. Simple black can be just fine if it is a nice frame.

My recent work in the Society of Animal Artists exhibition had a bit of non-conventional framing. It is the shaking dog piece and I framed it in a shadow box with a dog collar underneath. On the collar I put a silver name plaque where I put the title of the work and my name on it. Most people loved how it looked framed - made it unique, but classy. However I was able to talk to the show judges and one of them told me they really liked the work, but chose not to give it an award as they did not like the framing!

[Crias]

Originally Posted by brushandknife

This has been a very interesting thread. What has been the decision about "glass/no glass" for the new society shows? I'm also leery of putting glass over, it's so heavy on the larger ones, plus so costly. The only gallery I had any experience with had never had scratchart before, not sure they'd even seen it? Don't know. But they never mentioned glassing them.

For work headed to shows it is recommended that plexi-glass be used instead of glass if you are going to cover your work. If you are going to use glass then it should be covered with glass skin to minimize damage to the work on the off chance that the glass breaks in transit. It should also be shipped in an airfloat or masterpak box.

[lorna12]

"The gallery emphasizes that only artwork in professional-quality frames will sell. Bargain frames, home-made frames, and unbecoming frames will prevent the artwork from selling. Paintings on gallery-wrapped canvas should look finished in appearance. The ****** Galleries reserves the right not to hang any artwork that arrives in low-quality frames, is not wired for hanging, or is otherwise deemed unsuitable for appropriate display."

Sue...that's pretty standard, though that place really lays it out.

[PaintDog]

Here's a video by Linda Sheets - showing how to frame a board with a "floater frame". No glass. She's using one of the "Illusions" frames from Jerry's Artarama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdUh2Vw9cV0

[lorna12]

That is a very interesting way of doing it...I like the look and would use it for smaller pieces, 8X10 or even 11X14, but I wonder how well the glue would hold for the big ones?

[Barbra G]

This has been an interesting thread to read > all the differing ideas, and understandably different things for different people.
Just thought I would add my bit.
My framer sets my work on a white/suitable colour mount board background, then floats the mount board around the pic and all behind glass. I will show you a series of four 5x7 boards, framed together in this way. Please excuse the very bad photo with reflections and Lord only knows what else.
Barbra

[Susiepaints]

I like the idea of using glue to put a scratchboard in a float frame, but hesitate because I am am concerned that if a buyer wants to change the frame they would not be able to.

[PaintDog]

Susie, don't let that stop you, if you really like the look. If someone wants a piece framed differently, a framer can work around that. They could cut the backing down until it's flush with the edges of the board, or build up the sides around the board and set another mat on top.

Your zebras look great framed like that, Barbra - thanks for sharing!!

[pamelalbd]

ohhhhh GASP! I LOVE THIS!!