Alaskan Raven Studio

Art in Alaska. Story of an Alaskan artist.

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Frames change the painting, usually in a good way

May 7, 2014 by alaskanraven

Choosing a frame is a challenge. You need the frame to protect the artwork but it also creates a ‘stage’ for the painting or drawing. It is interesting to see how a frame changes the painting and adds to the total experience.

Choosing the right frame takes time but it is worth it. Frames are the ‘fine furniture’ for your walls. Paintings and the frames are the first thing you see when you enter a room.

Take a look at this recent watercolor that I painted of two swans.

swans, evening sun, painting
Pair of Swans swimming in the ponds at Creamer’s Field

When you look at the photo below of the painting framed, it gives a better idea of the size. It’s a full sheet of watercolor paper, 22″ x 30″ but that is hard to imagine until you see it above the couch.

Framed Painting of Swans

A watercolor should never be in direct contact with the glass. The matt keeps it back from the glass slightly and protects it. A double or triple matt adds color and interest. I chose a metal frame because it reflects and shimmers like water and ties into the theme.

The swans are in Creamer’s Field for such a short period of time. I’m glad that I ‘caught’ them in this painting.

More information about this painting of the pair of swans is at this link.

Chena North Fork

8″ x 10″ oil painting of the north fork of the Chena River from one of my plein air adventures in April.

Framed painting of Chena River North Fork

The wood frame with gold leaf edging makes the painting feel cozy and welcoming. It complements and balances the color and makes a very pleasing combination.

More information about this painting is at this link.

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Raven Ramblings

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contact me with questions or comments

Alaskan Raven Studio
PO Box 80231
Fairbanks, Alaska 99708
USA
alaskanblackbird@yahoo.com

 

Represented by:
Well Street Art Co.
1302 Well Street
Fairbanks, Alaska
907 452-6169

Stephan Fine Arts
939 West 5th Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
USA
(907) 274-5009
http://www.stephanfinearts.com/

more about Raven

I ventured to Alaska before there was an oil pipeline and fell in love with the gnarly spruce trees, intense weather and mountains I could touch. Very different from the landscape in St. Louis. I was looking for different. The spruce trees: those scraggy, wizened, lanky conifers danced onto the first page of my sketch […]

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