How to Picture Frame
A Nine Step Tutorial
 

Step Two:  Color Selection

The second part of planning is design, and design is largely a matter of color selection.

When it comes to color selection there is no single correct answer, only the answer that is best for what you are trying to accomplish with the presentation at the time.  So start out by asking yourself, “Where do I plan to hang this framed art?”

Will the setting dictate a conservative or adventurous approach? 
If you need to be conservative, remember: off-whites and neutral
tones for matting, and plain, unadorned frames.  If you are looking to be more adventurous, your artwork can provide clues.  Select a strong secondary color in the composition to act as the principle mat color, and be sure to pay attention to the art’s dominant values and the prevalence of either cool or warm hues.  Mimic this balance in your framing.

Some standard approaches:  If you are matting black and white photography, stick with very white matboard.  If you are matting a watercolor in white, choose a duller white, usually a white that is a shade down from the brightest white in your composition.  If you are doing pencil drawings, use off-whites, grays and blacks.  Sepia photos call for light earth
tones. Colorful contemporary art is enhanced by bright white matting and frames in primary colors.  Color selections aids such as fold out color charts and L-shaped mat board corner samples can assist you in making sound color decisions.

In choosing frame color and style, keep in mind the character of the composition as well as the environment in which the piece will hang.  Straight, stream-lined, minimally ornamented frames in lacquer or metal tend to have a contemporary appeal.
Traditional wood frames relying on the character of the native wood are more homey and conservative.  Ornamented gold and silver frames hearken back to the eighteenth and seventeenth century and suit portraits and landscapes reminiscent of those eras.  To consider a broad range of frame options, check out our Frame Gallery by clicking here.
Once you have determined the measurements and colors for your project, you are ready to purchase your supplies and equipment.

Continue on to Step 3, Getting What You Need

Step 1   Step 2   Step 3   Step 4   Step 5   Step 6   Step 7   Step 8   Step 9
 

Click on a link below to Enter the Article Vault and Access Articles About Color Selection:

The Art of Picture Framing:  How to Choose Color and Proportion.

The Psychological Effects of Color.

Creative Matting:  How Much is too Much?