Frames have existed for more than 2,200 years.

Some of the first known frames were used with the Egyptian portraits of the dead. Also known as Fayum mummy portraits, these works of art were framed with wood and fabric. It's believed they were displayed in the home of the deceased person before being permanently placed on the mummy.

Fayum portraits are considered to be the oldest modernist paintings and the first forms of framed art. An artist would paint an image of the deceased using a technique known as encaustic. The process required mixing colored pigment with heated beeswax.

 

 

 Imported hardwoods, such as cedar, cypress, oak, lime and sycamore were cut into thin panels and smoothed. The portraits were then painted on those panels. The finished portrait would be placed into layers of wrapping that enclosed the body, and then surrounded by bands of cloth. That gave the effect of a window-like opening through which the face of the deceased could be seen, essentially framing the portrait.
 

Framing Watercolor Paintings: Avoiding Common Issues

Framing Watercolor Paintings: Avoiding Common Issues

Framing watercolor paintings is easier than you think. All you need is a few techniques to avoid some common issues.

First-time framers can be weary of framing their watercolor paintings. That’s because as the art dries, it leaves ripples in the paper - sometimes subtle, but often, more dramatic. That prevents the painting from lying flat against a mat.

“And that can leave the end result looking sloppy or warped,” said Chris Brown, our Commercial Department Framing Assistant.

But making it work can be simple.

 

Some artists address the issue by embracing it. They start with deckled edge paper, and use a narrow mat to show the edges, even if they are warped.

Some watercolorists intentionally rip the paper to make the edges look worn. You can also apply that “floating” technique if you’ve painted too close to the edge of the paper and you don’t want any of your work obscured by the frame.

You can dry mount the paper before painting it. That allows the paper to lay smooth once the painting is finished. One drawback: you need to choose the mat and frame size before you start working.

If your watercolor paper ripples during painting, you may be able to fix it and still achieve a flat mount. Brown suggests evenly misting the back of the paper with water, then laying the work face down. Layer paper towels over the back and place a heavier layer, like Plexiglas, on the back. Finally, add another heavy layer, such as books. Check the painting 24 hours later to see if the ripples have disappeared. If not, repeat the process.

“Some people are uncomfortable using the water method with a watercolor. They think they might damage the piece,” Brown said. “But I would recommend practicing this if you can.”

Another challenge: potential ripping caused by adhesives. We recommend reversible tape. It’s easily peeled off and reapplied without causing harm to your delicate art. Brown prefers gummed tape, which can be easily removed with a damp cotton swab.

“If I’m questioning this method, I use a small sample to test a corner of the paper,” Brown said. “I find that self-adhesive tape doesn’t often hold too well with soft but dense watercolor paper.”

Sisters Act

 

The thought of working with your sister might send you sprinting in the opposite direction. For them, it’s a meaningful, long term-journey. In honor of ‘sister’s day’ Laura Jajko and Dana Dunbar agreed to share their story of what it’s like to be sisters in the workplace.

What is it like to work with your sister?

Laura: For me, we’ve been working together  for so long it’s natural. I really don’t think about the fact of being sisters on a day to day basis. We have very different complementary skill sets and we rely on each other to perform. Dana’s expertise is more operational and financial, mine is more on the sales and marketing side. But we are equally passionate about running a really great company for our employees while driving value for our customers, who all really depend on us. I often laugh that ‘my younger sister signs my paychecks.’ (And that’s a good thing! I think she’s the smarter one.)

So you’re probably looking for the drama here, right? Of course we have disagreements, but not many. And when we do, we always cede to the one who has that responsibility in their court. I don’t choose the accountants and bankers, she doesn’t choose the marketing team.

Dana: It’s an adventure. Laura is always pushing the needle. She’s not interested in sitting still and continually challenges me with new ideas. Every time we talk, Laura gives me a nugget to think about. Our brainstorming sessions are the most fun. Everything is on the table and nothing is off limits. I can be a little nerdy and she is okay with that.

It’s nice to have a partner that you know you can trust and who aligns with your values. Laura knows how to motivate and she cares about her team. Laura leads by example. She never asks me or anyone to do something she, herself, is not willing to do. Her energy drives me to be better and do better. Bottom line, Laura makes my job fun and interesting.

Are you close friends outside of the workplace?
Laura: I would say we were really close years ago when we lived in the same neighborhood between 2000-2006. We used to get up every morning at 5am to walk or workout together. Since then we don’t have so many occasions to simply socialize, but we have lunches together a few days a week and of course there are family get-togethers that are important to us.

Dana: We’re never really outside the workplace but yes, we are close. Laura and I talk daily and now that she has a granddaughter, our conversations include an Ella update which invariably leads to texts of cute baby faces and tricks. I’m looking forward to some sister time at the Rauschenberg exhibit  next month. It will be a good opportunity to catch up and be inspired. 

What do you admire most about your sister?
Laura: I find her commitment to her community amazing. She recently stopped an $11M road expansion in her neighborhood – literally by creating a movement, without the need for any fundraising. She’s our very own Erin Brockovich! 

Dana: Laura’s fearlessness. She’ll put herself out there like no one else I know.

We were at an e-commerce marketing conference a few years ago where Laura was asked to be a speaker. Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of testing the data. It became their mantra: ”you must continually test the data.” During a Q and A, someone asked Laura about testing the data and she honestly said we don’t always have the time to test because we have to execute.  The comments on social media were hilarious. Laura voiced what attendees were thinking, but no one had the guts to say publicly. There were a lot of heavy hitters there, it would have been easier to say we test until the cows come home, but she didn’t because we don’t.

What would you want to announce to her here on this blog?
Laura: Dana, you’re my favorite sisterJ.

Dana: Well, Laura may already know this, but this long and layered relationship of ours we call a “sister act” is just getting started. Our mission is much bigger than the both of us and I’m looking ahead with enthusiasm to see where it takes us. I couldn’t imagine a better partner for the task. 

Framing Watercolor: Expert Tips and Tricks

Framing Watercolor: Expert Tips and Tricks

Some artists are nervous about framing their watercolors. As the paint dries, it can leave ripples in the paper, making it difficult to work with.

So, we talked with three professional artists for their tips on framing watercolor paintings.

How do you mount a watercolor when matting?

It all depends on the paper, says Tom Sorrell, watercolorist and president of the Toledo Artists’ Club. He prefers 140-pound paper, and stretches it before he paints to prevent ripples. He then uses high-quality framers tape or linen hinging tape to attach the painting to the mat.

Sometimes, Tom chooses Yupo, a water-resistant synthetic paper favored by watercolorists because of the textures it allows after the paint dries. When mounting Yupo, he sticks with Lineco mounting strips.

“Yupo tends to expand and contract more than other papers with changes in the temperature, so it's important to leave 1/16 to 1/8" between the edge of the Yupo painting and the adhesive portion of the mounting strip,” Tom said. “With Yupo, the painting is mounted to the backing board instead of the mat.”

 

When mounting watercolor art, Toledo-based Aaron Bivins often uses double-sided acid-free cloth tape for a more secure hold. His technique:

1.   Place a two-inch piece of tape on the back of the painting. Half the length of the tape should be on the paper and half should rise above the top of it.

2.   Flip the paper over and position it on the foam core. Press the remaining 1" of tape

      to secure on the board.

3.   Secure another two-inch piece of cloth tape over the other piece of tape to form a

      T shape. Press to secure.

How do you flatten a watercolor painting that has rippled before framing it?

If your painting does ripple, there are several ways to fix it. Aaron lays his painting face down on a piece of cardboard, spritzes it with water, and irons the back until it dries.

Tom follows a similar system, but substitutes a stack of heavy books for the iron.

Laurin McCracken, president of the Watercolor USA Honor Society, also opts for books, but prefers not to wet his paintings.

First, he stacks at least 30 pieces of watercolor paper on top of the art. He then places a piece of Masonite or Plexiglas on top, followed by the books. This helps evenly distribute the weight over the painting.

“If you’re using anything other than paper for weight, be sure to put a piece of paper over the painting to protect it,” Laurin said. “Also, the surface under the painting must be smooth and clean.”

If the rippling on the painting is severe, then Laurin will mist the back of the painting with water before placing it under weights. He cautions to use only a light mist so the painting doesn’t get too soggy.

 

How do you float a watercolor with a deckled edge?

Laurin uses Lineco self-adhesive linen hinging tape. Here’s his technique:

1.       First, mount the painting to 1/8” or 1/4” foamcore or mounting board. Leave a 1/2” border. That will give the illusion of the painting “floating” above the mat.

2.       To attach the painting to the foamcore, first attach the linen hinge to the back of the painting and run the tape through a slice in the foamcore. Use a second piece of linen tape to affix the first piece of tape to the back of the board. Attach the painting to at least two places at the top of the board.

3.       Add additional loops of linen tape in the same manner to prevent slipping, especially during shipping.

 

For these three artists, the benefits of framing their own work far outweigh the risk of a tear or a ripple.

Some like the flexibility to reuse frames. They say they’re more inclined to take a piece apart if they’ve framed it themselves and know exactly how it’s been mounted. Others said they like the control of framing their own art, and that they can ensure that dust and other contaminants don’t wind up behind the glass.

But the biggest reason so many watercolorists frame their own work is financial.

“The reason I frame my own paintings is the cost related to framing,” Laurin said. “It’s just basic element of managing the funds I have to support my art business.”

Have more framing questions? Contact us.

 

 

Ohio Watercolor Society Permanent Collection

OWS Permanent Collection

    When someone mentions watercolor paintings the general thought is the very simple, pastel landscape that you might find in your grandmother’s house. Usually a bright pigmented, photo realistic, painting on plastic paper doesn’t come to mind. Luckily we have The Ohio Watercolor Society Permanent Collection to break all of those stereotypes for us. This collection is described “as a way to encourage the advancement, understanding, appreciation, and awareness of the broad scope of watercolor paintings.”

  

   “The Ohio Watercolor Society’s Permanent Collection comprises 37 paintings that reflect the quality, scope and evolution of watermedia painting during the Society’s first 25 years and include categories of abstract, collage, figurative, landscape, portraiture, and still-life paintings,” mentioned  Thomas Sorrell President of the Ohio Watercolor Society (OWS). Pushing the boundaries of watercolor media is something OWS strives for. Tom explained that the board is considering enhancing the collection and trying to find new criteria to use for this expansion “It would make sense to have some painted with egg tempera or casein and to have some paintings that were done on surfaces such as Yupo in order to show the breadth and diversity of watermedia painting.”

  

   A little bit of background regarding these paintings . . . the collection is comprised of artists that are members of OWS and some eminent jurors of its annual exhibition. Each year from 1978-2001 paintings were added to the collection with money raised by OWS, mainly through donations from members and friends. Some paintings were donated to the collection by past or present members or their estates.  The purchasing of paintings stopped in 2001 mainly due to lack of funds so the collection was then held in storage until last year when the Board of Trustees made a decision to refurbish the paintings and to display them. “As it turned out, this was a good decision . . .” Tom said, “The place where they had been stored was flooded recently by several thousand gallons of water and mud from a nearby construction project.”  Tom mentioned their current home is in a climate-controlled, secure storage facility (on the second floor!).

  

   American Frame had the honor of refurbishing the collection in 2016 and currently have the paintings displayed in the showroom gallery after almost a decade in storage. It was last shown in Columbus in 2008 and this is the first time it has been displayed in Northwest Ohio! Later this year the OWS Board has plans to use the Permanent Collection to encourage and support watermedia painting in Ohio. “Perhaps portions [of the collection] will be loaned to corporate donors for several months at a time. It might be exhibited in whole or in part at various galleries or museums around the State. Several paintings could be displayed on a rotating basis with the opening of the Annual Exhibition,” Tom speculated.  Whatever plans the OWS Board has for their permanent collection we all know it will challenge the way we look at watercolor paintings.

Tips for Framing Americana: Maps, Flags, and Documents

The 4^th of July: it's a patriotic time of year. So, if you’re thinking of framing a flag or maybe a few historical documents, follow these tips from American Frame's Commercial Department Manager Jennifer Teachout.

When working with any historical item, take steps to handle it carefully. Make sure your work area is clean and dry. And consider wearing gloves to avoid leaving any dirt or oils from your fingertips on the piece.

When framing maps, documents or flags, you’ll probably need to use some kind of insulation to support the weight of the piece or help it lay flat. If you need to support a heavy piece, foam mounting board is your answer. For extra protection, choose archival foam board.

Flags
When wrapped tightly, flags are relatively heavy, so they need extra support to stay put. Sew the flag to the mat or backing board. Consider the weight of the flag when deciding how many stitches to use and where to place them.

Maps
If your map is printed on both sides, mount it on black foam board so the text on the back won’t be visible through the thin map paper.

Historical Documents

Never slather the back of a rare document with glue. Instead, Teachout advises attaching archival strips or corner mounts to archival mounting board. You can then use a custom-cut mat with a window opening to attach your document to the mounting board.

After you’ve selected the right mat, choose a wood or metal frame that complements your item. Consider our American Hardwoods collection to complete your all-American look. And to keep dust and fingerprints off your memorabilia, mount it under an acrylic sheet.

 

 

The Art of the Selfie

Unless you’ve spent the last decade in a particularly deep coma, you’re familiar with selfies. They populate your social media pages, exhaust your cellphone’s data allowance, and are taken everywhere you can imagine: in cars, at museums, in lines, and famously, at the 2014 Oscars.

But they’re mostly pretty boring.

The average selfie you see countless times a day is just a person standing there. Maybe she’s making a face, or he’s enhanced with a fancy filter, but there’s usually nothing special about the shot. If the people behind the cameras want us to look at these images, shouldn’t they make them more interesting?

The good news is you can help. Here are some ways to “level up” your cell phone self-portraits.

Mind Your Angles
You probably know which is your “good side”: so keep that in mind when you take your photo. Shoot from slightly above to slim your face. And angle your body away from the camera instead of straight towards it. You’ll look thinner without having to skip dessert.

Use Good Light

The flash on your cell phone camera can wash you out. So whenever possible, use natural light.  Stand near a window or go outside. A beautifully lit photo will stand out in a sea of overly bright or way-too-dark shots.

Think of the Whole Picture

No one wants to see your dirty laundry, or the trash you should have taken out last week. Stage your selfie against a beautiful background. Find a funky mural or a picturesque park, so the entire photo is something your audience will love looking at.

Display It

You might take a ton of selfies to get a great one. But that doesn’t mean you should post them all. No one wants to scroll through 17 images of you in the exact same pose. So choose the photos with the best composition, lighting, and visual interest.

And while you’re at it, think beyond Facebook and Instagram. Pair your perfect selfie with a great frame so it can be a focal point in your home or office. American Frame makes it easy to print and custom-frame your photo to elevate it from ordinary to artistic.