Thou Art Beautiful As Thou Art Wise
Gallery Owner Chris Bates of Art Post Gallery in Northbrook, Illinois, Emailed Gia On The Move Recently to offer tips on creating the perfect pairing of art and frame.
Picking the right frame for a new piece of art can be tough, especially when you realize how many options are out there. Instead of telling you what to do, because every person and piece is different, Art Post Gallery owner Chris Bates has some tips on things not to do when framing a new work of art.
- Dont follow the fad: Just because thin frames and gallery wraps have made a comeback, doesnt mean thats whats right for your piece. Dont just do something because its in, do what best enhances your artwork.
- Dont follow a theme: If one work of art is frameless, they dont all have to be. Again, frame a piece in what works for that piece; its ok to mix styles and finishes.
- Dont overdo it: Picking something thats a little too showy can overpower the art itself. You want the art to standout, not the frame its in.
- Dont forget to consider glass: Regular glass used in a bright room can take away from a piece and even ruin it. The best option for protecting artwork is museum or art glass which has a nearly invisible finish and blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays.
- Dont match piece to frame: If a painting has a lot of red in it, the frame doesnt need to be red as well. The frame and art dont have to match, just marry well.
The main thing is to pick pieces of art you love, says Bates. From there, its important to keep in mind that the piece may not always hang on the same wall, in the same room, or even be in the same house, so most importantly you have to pick framing that works for the art, not the area (but do take the room into consideration).
About Art Post Gallery
Opened in 1972 and purchased by current owner Christina Bates in 1980, Art Post Gallery has the largest and most diverse inventory of original art on Chicagos North Shore. Known for its extensive collection of original works including oil paintings, watercolors, etchings, vintage art and antique maps, the gallery not only encourages designers and clients to take home art on approval, but can help commission artists to create special pieces for ones home or office. Art Post Gallery also specializes in fine framing. All of the work is done on premises by a well-trained, creative staff. They are also available to perform a wide range of art restoration, and can help with installation. Art Post Gallery is located in the Shops at Willow Festival [near Whole Foods, REI and next to rôti (Mediterranean Grill)] at 984 G Willow Road in Northbrook, IL, at the NW corner of Willow Road and Waukegan Road.