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Choosing the Perfect Mat Board for
your Watercolor Painting
Like a diamond in the perfect setting, the
right frame and matting can showcase artwork, as well as coordinate with
its environment, whether in home or office.
Many artists choose to mat work for sale in white or cream,
determining that these colors will make the artwork appropriate for any
decor. I have found, however, that art buyers generally purchase
paintings that predominate in their preferred hues, and if I choose
matting that corresponds with the colors in my painting, it actively works
with the art, compared to the passive neutrality of a white mat &
unobtrusive frame. I use the same
palette of colors for most of my paintings, and often what works for
matting one painting, works well for others. I prefer the added
depth found in double matting, with the top color of a lighter value than
the bottom.
Frame shops carry corner samples of mat
board colors and can advise you on complementary framing. However,
it helps to come in with an idea of color preference, and the color scheme
of the room the art will hang in.
Some color ideas when choosing a mat:
| Dark/Light Contrast: Choose a jewel-like hue
found in the painting for the bottom, and a white or cream for the top
mat. The bottom mat will only show 1/4" around the painting and
so adds brilliance without overpowering the artwork. |
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| Monochromatic: Choose a predominant color in
the painting and use a darker value of the color as the base mat, with
a lighter value as the top mat - or reverse it! |
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| Primary/Secondary Combination: Choose a
primary color and its secondary, i.e. green & yellow, or red & orange. |
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| Dramatic Neutrals: Rather than a boring
cream or white, satisfy your darker side with black & granite mats, or
chocolate and sand. Or pair a dark neutral with a current trend,
like an earthy green or pumpkin orange. |
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Other matting techniques:
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V-Groove - a v-shaped cut along the surface
of the top mat, which reveals the white (or black) core of the mat board.
V-grooves can be cut in different shapes for a dramatic look.
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For the lover of luxury, specialty mat
board is available from many manufacturers and includes textured or
embossed varieties, metallic, or suede-finish for sumptuous style.
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Fillet - a fillet is a molding, usually
matching the frame in material and finish, that is mounted between the
mats. Fillets should never touch the painting, as the acid in wood
will damage the paper.
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Floating - rather than mounting the
painting behind the mat board, the painting is mounted on the mat and the
edges of the paper are thus visible. A painting should never touch
the glass, and so spacers are required to allow space for the art to
breathe.
Selecting a Frame for Your Watercolor
Painting Once you've chosen your
mat, you can pick the perfect frame. Choose a frame that complements
your style. Metal frames emulate the clean lines of modern decor,
while wood's warmth and versatility result in frames that can suit any
environment.
Metal Frames: Come in many
thicknesses and profiles (edge shapes), finishes and colors. I have
found that metal frames can suit almost every watercolor painting, and the
price is usually lower than for wood.
Wood Frames: You cannot match wood when it comes to
warmth. Again, there is a vast array of styles and finishes out
there. The varieties of wood will influence the finished product as
well. For example, the grain of oak is very visible whether stained
or unfinished, while maple would have a subtler look. Frame moldings
range from simple and unadorned, to heavily carved and Victorian. A
current trend I really love is the painted and antiqued frames, with
sanded edges and a bit of crackle finish.
The size of your frame should be
proportional to the painting you are framing. A small painting can
be overpowered by a wide, bold frame, and wood moldings in the narrower
range do not have the strength that their metal counterparts boast, making
narrow wood moldings unsafe for large paintings.
You are the best judge of the right frame
for your art, as you know the space you will be placing it in. Try
to find a frame that complements both the painting and the room it will
hang in. |
Watercolor Painting Gallery:
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flower paintings
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landscape paintings
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