Framing your fine art is more than just a practical decision — it’s an art form in itself. The right frame not only complements your work but also enhances its visual impact and preserves it for years to come. As an artist, I’ve learned that the presentation of my artwork is just as important as the creation process. There are so many frames out there in the world, but for ease, I typically begin with Blick Art Materials for their wide range of high-quality frames and supplies. Whether you need to stretch your own canvas (what I’ve started to do lately,) or just need a finished frame, they usually have everything you need to take your art to the next level.

Deciding on the Right Frame

Framing is about more than just protecting your artwork — it’s about giving your piece the attention it deserves. A well-chosen frame can highlight the complexity of your work, provide balance, and create a polished finish. Whether your style is contemporary, abstract, or traditional, the right frame elevates your piece from a beautiful artwork to a captivating display. I’ve also found that framing my work makes it much more likely to sell! Just think about walking through an art gallery, almost everything is framed and ready for the buyer’s home.

Contour Floater Frames and Ampersand Floater Frames are my favorite framing options for fine art. Counter Floater Frames are my go-to for modern, minimalist presentations. The floating effect these frames provide gives art a light, airy feel, making it seem like it’s suspended within the frame. This style is ideal for canvases or wood panels where you want the focus to be on the artwork itself rather than the frame.

The Ampersand Floater Frames, on the other hand, perfectly complements my bold, and colorful works without overwhelming them. The minimalist design really lets the artwork shine, adding just the right touch of depth and professionalism. Best of all, this frame gives my art that clean, gallery-quality presentation that enhances without being distracting AND they only take about 10 minutes to attach. Plus, they’re super versatile, which makes them ideal for everything from my mixed-media pieces to my more vibrant, abstract creations!

Let’s Talk Details: Protecting Your Artwork

One of the most important aspects of framing is ensuring your artwork is well-protected. I’m all about longevity when it comes to preserving my work. Using high-quality materials like Blick Art Materials’ Archival Mats and Foam Boards ensures that my pieces remain protected from environmental factors like humidity and UV rays. When framing prints or delicate illustrations, I never skip the step of using UV-protected Acrylic Clear Sheets from Blick Art Materials to shield my work from sun damage. This small investment makes a huge difference in keeping colors vibrant over time.

Custom Framing for Unique Art

If your work doesn’t fit into standard frame sizes, custom framing is the way to go. I’ve been doing this a lot lately because I’ve been cutting my own canvas from a large roll. Blick offers a range of custom framing solutions, like various sizes of stretcher bars, that allow you to match your art’s dimensions perfectly, ensuring that no detail is left out. And then, I often use their Custom Metal Frames when I need a contemporary, durable solution for oversized pieces.

For those working on digital prints or illustrations, Blick’s Nielsen Bainbridge Metal Frame is a favorite of mine. Not only do they offer a clean, modern aesthetic, but their UV-protection ensures that even the brightest colors in my illustrations remain just as vivid as the day they were printed.

Other Materials:

Having the right tools is essential to turning creative ideas into reality. Another point for Blick: their selection is vast, and they carry everything from professional-grade paints to specialty surfaces that inspire me to push the boundaries of my work.

One thing I can’t live without is the Golden Heavy Body Acrylics. The rich pigments and creamy consistency make them perfect for my vibrant, bold paintings. I’m a new-found lover of thick texture and I love how the paint holds its texture, even after drying, which adds depth and dimension to my work. And when it comes to precision, I turn to Princeton Velvetouch Brushes. Their fine points and durable bristles give me the control I need for those intricate details.

Another must-have in my studio is the Ampersand Gessobord. It’s an incredibly smooth, archival surface that pairs beautifully with both acrylics and mixed media. I’ve found it to be perfect for creating my smaller, more detailed works, offering a sturdy foundation that lasts.

All in all, as an artist, I trust Blick Art Materials for all my framing needs because they provide a wide selection of frames, mats, and assembly tools that help me showcase my work at its best. From ready-made frames to custom solutions, they offer quality products that elevate your art while protecting it for the long haul. Whether you’re framing a small illustration or a large-scale mural, Blick has you covered.

Check out Blick Art Materials to explore their wide selection of frames, mats, and art supplies, and elevate your next piece to gallery perfection!