Framing
As my studio started to fill up with paintings, I realized that many of them would require framing. Not only would this be quite expensive, but the decisions on the selection of what frame would be best for each painting was daunting. So I went on line for a possible answer. I found that there were other artists that had experienced the same dilemma. I continued to follow the thread and I came upon just the frame style that I would need. The floating frame…in a natural wood tone….perfect.
J
How To
Now…how to build them? Once again I turned to the web. I found a plethora of YouTube videos on the subject. I narrowed the videos down to a few that I felt would work for me.
After several trips to Home Depot, I had the supplies that I would need.
Several lengths of 1x4x8’ yellow pine. I looked for the straightest with the least amount of knots. These would be used to build the frame base. (Cradle)
(Photo A)
Then lengths of 1x4x8 poplar. A wood that has no knots and a straight grain with very little tendency toward twists or warps. They would be used for the frame sides.
(Photo B)
Building
(Show photos of the base and sides.)
The frames are built in two stages. The first is to construct the cradle. The second is to add the frames sides.
(Photos C,D,E)
The Finish
Once the construction was completed, a good but gentle sanding followed by a clear coat of polyurethane. This process should be done at least one or more times.
Finally, a coat of flat black paint was added to the inside edges to help create the floating frame illusion. After the black paint is dry, I’m ready to drop in the painting. (Most of my paintings are done on 1/4” MDF gessoed panels) I attach 2 pieces of 3M double sided tape per side to hold the painting in the frame.
(Photos G,H,I)
The final results with painting inserted in the frame.
(Photo J)
I abbreviated the description of the construction process to give you a quick overview.
Detailed building info can be seen on the following YouTube sites.
How to build floating frames
Youtube John Peters - Longview Woodworking
Youtube Chamberlain paintings
Youtube Michael Alm
Hope this article was helpful and that you will stop in now and then to see what’s happening in the studio and the field.