There comes a moment when we finish a fabulous painting and (without thinking twice) we say to ourselves: I have to frame this!

This is usually where my problem begins. The framing options are endless and I always end up fighting against this duality:

Since a frame can dramatically change a painting, and also the remaining environment, I wonder if there are some "golden rules" that should be followed when choosing a frame.

There are also other important aspects regarding this topic, such as whether we leave the choice of the frame at the discretion of the “customer”. I remember offering a friend couple a frameless painting (of which I am very proud) thus giving them the responsibility of the frame choice and also the cost. A while later, during a visit to their house I was shocked to see my painting on the wall. I kept quiet, forced a smile and internalized the hard learned lesson: "I never let a work of mine leave my hands without being framed."

Another problem I come across is when I go to my local framing shop. It is a place with high quality products (in business for more than 100 years) and very experienced professionals that help me a lot in the moment of framing a painting, however, often the framing service is much more expensive than the painting itself. If the frame is for me the cost is not a problem. However, considering that I do not paint professionally, if the frame is to sell or offer, the frame ends up representing the highest percentage of the total price of the work.

I don’t want to turn this post into an "almost philosophical" topic, so, I would like to hear your opinions on framing your paintings, and especially the point of view of more experienced (and professional) artists such as @Edo Hannema and @Olly Pyle.

Thank you!

An example of how different frames can give the same painting a completely different look. Painting titled, “Collective Genius” 36”x36” is currently available (unframed) at Strecker Nelson West Gallery.