Framing thought for new works.

[idylbrush]

I have been working at putting together a shadow box effect for the new paper works and have come up with this simple maple frame (whitewashed) with the artwork mounted behind plexiglas and about .5" back from the surface. The background is masonite with canvas painted black and the paper is mounted about 1/8th inch +- to lift if off the background.

Thoughts?

[Artistanne]

I like the way you describe it but can't really get the full effect from the photo. I'm sure it's very difficult to photograph anything once it's behind plexi, but I understand the concept of what you're trying to acheive and I think it would work well with your pieces.

[WeiQi]

I think it's a really good idea, just not not sure about white wash...
Yes, hard to tell from the photo.

[kasunart]

Hey I LOVE that presentation. How did you attach the piece itself to the canvas board?
I have a bunch of fused glass pieces that I've been thinking of framing like this (without the plexi.) The best idea I had is to wire the corners with thin wire, but you'd still see them.

Thanks, S

[Bevahlee]

I think it's perfect. The whitewash softens the white just the right amount IMHO.

[scorpio32]

that's a great presentation Howard....interested too how you went about attaching the piece.......is it possible to maybe shoot a pic at a 45 degree angle to get more of a sense of it?

[idylbrush]

Thank you all for your thoughts on the framing.

Attachment was pretty simple really.

I placed the artwork on a piece of hardboard with gel medium, clear. Weighted it until dry so that it stayed flat. I also cut the hardboard 1/8" short of each edge.

I then used the same technique to attach it to the larger piece. It takes forever to dry.

[themanda]

howard, i can envision it. i bet it does look very good with your work.

you know what would be cool, too...if you did the same basic piece on a small scale like three or four times, then you could cut each section of the painting out idividually and then mount them on different planes within the shadow box. each element of the painting would essentially be on a separate layer, and the entire painting would then be three dimensional.

and you could put a small puck light or something in the bottom of the box and the entire thing could be lit from underneath!

and...and...

[JohnA]

I've been waiting for that angle shot to be fixed, but it looks like that might never happen, so I'll go ahead.

I don't think this is a good way to display your art. Light cannot get to the gold leaf, nor can the dramatic shadows and texture be seen. If you're going to put this behind plexi, then each box should have a tiny light inside.

[idylbrush]

Originally Posted by JohnA

I've been waiting for that angle shot to be fixed, but it looks like that might never happen, so I'll go ahead.

I don't think this is a good way to display your art. Light cannot get to the gold leaf, nor can the dramatic shadows and texture be seen. If you're going to put this behind plexi, then each box should have a tiny light inside.

Certainly an intriguing idea and don't for a minute think I hadn't considered it many times. The biggest issue is not the lights, there are rice lights that are incredible, small, bright and white light. The issue is what it takes to light those little things. The transformer and cord would be so agressive visually that it hardly is worth the effort unless I go for a really deep custom frame in order to hide it all and then there is the issue of where does the electricity come from. It would require a special clock plug installed which may make folks think twice about buying an inexpensive piece when it will cost nearly double or triple to light it.

IRL the gold leaf does read well. I did take a few moments and tried to reshoot the piece but to really get it right I have to take it to my photographer and at this point in time I don't feel this piece warrants that kind of attention, at least not just yet. When I have more in the series and can justify the expense then we shall see.

In the meantime this may give a better visual but it still wont' show the shadows. See if this is any better