Framed canvas paintings are a great way to showcase art in your homes or at exhibitions in museums and galleries. Usually, an artist prepares their canvas, finishes their painting and then frames it for display — but art doesn’t always have to be so orthodox.
Artists can shake up their process and save some effort by painting on a blank framed canvas. In this post, we will discuss the pros of painting on framed canvas and different frames for canvas paintings.
The pros of painting on framed canvas
Frames add both aesthetic and practical value to canvas paintings by giving the artwork a more polished and finished look, as well as by protecting the edges of the canvas from damage. However, painting on framed canvas also offers the following additional benefits:
- Reform your practice — When you’re suffering from a slump or a creative slump, changing how you approach your practice by painting on a framed canvas can reset your mindset. You can also grow as an artist by making art a different way to inspire something yourself and get a unique perspective.
- Additional structural support — Because you’re painting on a pre-stretched and framed canvas, you should have even tension and support while you paint. This prevents any warping and provides sturdy structural support so you can freely apply pressure as you’d like.
- Frames as part of your art — Another way frames can become a part of your art is by using them as another creative element. Make it look like your art is alive or 3D by painting on your frames. By extending your artwork onto the frame, you can seamlessly merge canvas and frame for a cohesive and immersive visual experience.
- Efficiency — This can save you time and effort by hiring a professional to stretch and frame your canvas for you. Moreover, you may avoid imperfections that can be detrimental to the value of your art.
While framed canvas painting will cost you a few more dollars, it’s definitely worth a try for those in need of inspiration, a more durable painting surface or those wanting to save some time and effort.
What frame to use
If you decide to paint on a pre-stretched and framed canvas, you should decide what kind of frame suits the art you’ll make. Here are the different types of frames typically used for canvas paintings:
- Wooden frames — These classic and versatile frames are simple enough, so they can be finished in a number of different ways to accommodate your art style and preferences. Wood is also easy to use as a part of your art if you decide to extend your paintings to their frames.
- Gallery frames — Rather than the material of your frame, gallery frames refer to the use of a mat that adds depth and space between the artwork and the frame, enhancing the overall visual impact.
- Metal frames — These sleek and stylish frames are perfect for contemporary and minimalist art pieces or interior design styles. They’re also more lightweight than traditional wooden frames, adding a touch of modernness without compromising durability.
- Floating frames — This frame style is also a great choice for those wanting a more contemporary look. These frames create an illusion that your artwork is floating within the frame, with a gap between the artwork and the frame. Moreover, it can add depth depending on how wide the vertical and horizontal gap is.
Fantastic Framing — succeed in framed canvas painting with us
Try out framed canvas painting by shopping for pre-stretched and framed blank canvases at Fantastic Framing. With our professionally stretched and framed canvases available in different sizes, you can easily change up your process and artwork.