Framing Design: Form and FunctionThe artist creates a work of art. A pleasing framing design will compliment the art, and follow principles of form and function. Art stirs an emotion within the viewer—one the artist hopefully wanted to convey. I think of design in terms of objects--in this case picture frames. Over the years we have lavishly embellished tools or weapons, which showed their importance to the users. This was also a way for the owners of these instruments to show their importance and power. In this example, the design has a practical purpose. However, the purpose of framing design today focuses on the aesthetical side of design. This is called visual design, the first of six factors that I see go into the essence of what makes up all the elements of framing design. Let’s explore them one at a time. This is the most important element because it involves organizing the materials as well as the form to fulfill its aesthetic purpose. The purpose of good framing design is to enhance and protect the art displayed within the frame. When I paint I use the same building blocks I would use if I where going to build a picture frame. Color has the most visual impact. Color is the first thing you see and evokes an emotional response. Using the right colors in a painting or frame can create harmony and balance. Color will convey the mood the artist wants in their painting--using blues to cool down a painting or reds to heat up the mood. Using color will do the same thing when working with frame design. Line is the next building block. Line gives form and boundaries to an object. Using line you can lead the viewer’s eye and can emphasize something within the art. In framing you can use lines within the mat, like a v-groove or the bevel of the mat opening. Shape is the next block and is used to add interest where needed and to direct the viewer’s eye around the painting. In framing design you could use shape in the way your mat opening is oriented. Vertical or horizontal will influence the direction in which the viewer’s eye will travel. Shapes or patterns on the frame will help move the viewer’s eye around the framed art. Texture adds feeling and dimension to a painting and works the same way with framed art. Texture will add dimension and enriches the art. Proportion or the relationship between elements within a painting creates balance and can be used to emphasize an area of the painting. Space is the last building block and is used by an artist to emphasize an element within a work of art or highlight an element. You can use it to give the viewer an illusion of dimension on a flat surface by painting objects in the background that are smaller and lighter in color. You can use space in framing by layering elements like the glazing, mat, fillets and spacers. This will give the frame package depth in a physical way. The next factor in the design process is: Designing a work of art like a frame begins with a concept or definition. I draw an outline or sketch, choose colors and have a composition to start with. In framing, your art will help you chose the framing elements to create a successful frame package. Creativity is the stage in framing that follows concept or definition and is when a framer’s imagination really pays off. Ask yourself if the frame will be a traditional accent in a room or the focal point of the room. This is the time to be bold, consider bright colors, possibly triple matting and deep bevels, embossing or even gilding for the frame. This is where you consider any limitations or rules that need to be worked out. The budget, conservation requirements and any other design elements are brought together and considered. You complete your plan and agree with anyone else involved. Here is where you execute the design plan for the project. If the project was well designed the production stage is easy; if not, this is where potential problems will become apparent. After production is complete clarification begins. Clarification is where the work is appraised or critiqued as many as three times. The first is by the worker doing the frame, checking it over for smudges on the glazing, fuzz or hairs in the frame and so on. The second is by another worker in the shop to see if the first missed anything as well as making sure the choice of colors and design compliments the art. The third review is when the customer gives their final approval. Carefully review a framing project, whether you are the framer or the customer. I hope this helps you to have a better understanding of framing design. Please use the Contact Form to ask me questions, make suggestions, or provide feedback. For additional information on Framing Art, visit Matting and Mat Boards, Mounting Art, Glazing, Backer Boards and Dust Covers, or Conservation and Restoration. Return to Framing Art or HOME.
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