Framing A Watercolor

Picture frames and frame mouldings are all important to the looks of a watercolor painting. It can detract or greatly enhance the art work. A frame should just do its job and not call attention to itself.  Frames are chosen many times for their sheer gaudiness because we are hoping to make our art work look more impressive and important!

When framing is so intricate and detailed, the attention is on the frame, not on the art work. If someone tells you you have a lovely frame, then you have overframed. A frame is only a supporting actor, not the main event.

Framing Watercolors Under Glass

A watercolor painting must be framed under glass. Having said that, some artists have opted not to use glass. There aren't any hard and fast rules. But a water soluble painting cannot be cleaned easily. Sometimes it is impossible.

The weight of the glass, mat and watercolor paper must be supported by a sturdy frame. A thin frame will come apart at the seams and allow the contents to fall.(Not a good thing with all that glass!) The traditional way of framing a watercolor is with a white or off-white mat and a very simple thin wood moulding.

When framing my own art work, I bought the frames from the wholesale dealer, had the glass cut from a glass house, sometimes cut my own mats or bought them ready made and then assembled the items. It's not all that difficult and you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.

Decide on the outside diminsions including the mat and that is the size of the frame. Usually a 4" mat looks good on any size watercolor.

For instance:

The painting itself was done on a sheet of watercolor paper 22"x30". The mat opening needs to be about 21" X 29".  This allows the mat to cover the art work one inch all arounnd. The painting is taped on the back to the back of the mat.

The size to be framed with the added mat is:21"+4"=25" (short side) 29"x4"=33"(long size)

Order a frame 25" x 33"

Just keep in mind about the strenght and size of the framing as it must support a lot of weight.