I learned a very important lesson in framing last week. If you are out of a certain size of frame that you usually use, don't use a fill in frame that is not of the same or better quality than what you usually use. I have always framed my paintings in very good quality, well made frames since day one of painting. My theory was, if you are going to spend a lot of time and effort on painting something beautiful, and work so hard to get it perfect, then why in the world would you put it in a less than perfect frame?

I was in a pickle last week and rushing to get some new paintings up to a high profile show. I thought I had the sizes that I needed to frame the pieces and I did not. So, I went to a store locally and bought two less than desirable frames. The right frame can really make a painting shine. The wrong frame can detract from a beautiful piece. They actually looked okay from the front, but the back was not up to my framing standards. I got the paintings to the show, but will be spending another full day driving back up there to switch out the frames, now that my order has arrived. Framing is that important!

Case in point in the picture above of my new frames. These picture are the same size. Note, there is extra detail on the frame on the right. I didn't know when I ordered the frame but the decoration around the still life looks like joined tulips! It really makes the painting look amazing. On the left is a peaceful, serene painting of a sailboat. The frame is also peaceful, with nothing to detract from or compete with the ripples in the water. 

When I started painting four years ago I thought all I had to do was paint. Honestly, it's probably what I spend the least time doing!

I hope you liked this short lesson in framing.

Happy painting!