Framing Original Small Format Art

What is Small Format Art on eBay?

There is a wealth of original small format art treasures on eBay at extremely affordable prices because the initial cost of supplies is minimal to the Artist.  These works are sized anywhere from fractions of an inch, to as big as 14x14 inches.  The time invested (though still labor intensive) is quite often less than that of a very large painting, which allows Artists the freedom to offer their smaller auctioned original works at very inviting opening bids. The smaller size also usually means lower shipping costs for bidders.

There are many small format art groups on eBay - Artists who've banded together to promote smaller original artworks.  You can search ebay for group keywords, such as SFA, Art Squared, ATC, ATC2, and ACEO.  ATC and ACEO are trading card size works that are often displayed in open or unmatted frames, or in trading card collector books, however, I firmly believe the best way to preserve these works for generations to come, is to frame/mat them behind glass.  If you absolutely LOVE your newest original art treasure, then there's a good chance you'll still want to enjoy it 10+ years from now...

So What Should You Do To Preserve it?

If you got an amazing price on a small original artwork, chances are that it is not framed, (especially if your shipping was $5 or less).   The first thing you should do when you receive the art is to open the  package to inspect it - Did it arrive in good condition?  If your answer is "yes" then your artwork was obviously packaged securely so save the packaging... You will keep your artwork in there for easy & safe portability because you will want to have it with you as you choose your mat color and frame.

To Mat Or Not To Mat...

There's more to matting than just choosing colors that compliment the artwork.  Matting allows you to follow what is probably the most important rule to keep in mind when framing an original... It allows you to keep the artwork at least 1/8" away from the glass of the frame, which goes a long way in protecting the art.

Matting small format art also allows it to be displayed in BIG ways - An ACEO for instance, displayed in an 8x10 or larger standard size frame can make quite a dramatic statement.  You can even find matting specifically cut for ACEO or ATC size art on eBay.

Don't Let a Fear of Framing Spoil Your Fun...

Nice-looking, affordable frames with included matting can be found  on eBay or at your local retail stores, and such frames are a fine & easy way to quickly display your new original art until you're able to find the perfect frame that suits the artwork and have it professionally framed.

Affordable, professional framing can often be found in art and craft supply stores.  Their pricing is usually more varied and reasonable than price lists at specialty frame stores because they cater to all Artists, from the beginning Artist with a student income to the well-established Artist with more $ spend.

How's It Hanging...

Your artwork has now been framed and you're wondering where you should hang it...  Just follow these two additional rules, and your original art treasures will last for generations...

• Never hang original art in a bathroom unless it has been professionally framed -with the back of the frame completely sealed from air and moisture, (And even then, inspect it regularly for moisture damage to the backing).
• Always choose a wall for your art that is not regularly saturated with direct sunlight, to prevent fading over time. 

While it needn't be done right away, I do recommend having the artwork professionally framed with a sealed backing (eventually), especially if you are considering your art purchases as possible investments, or if you simply want to be enjoying your unique art collection 20 years from now.

Kim Niles of KiniArt
Artist & children's book Illustrator
About this Artist