Magnolia in May...framed!

Magnolia in May, 2011
Original Painting, 6" x 8"
Oil, alkyd on canvas panel
SOLD

I intended to have this painting ready for Mother's Day...and the first "version" of it was done by then. But then I was not happy with it, and kept on painting. Here's the final version (I think), along with photos of my framing process, which I mentioned in last week's post.

Photo 1 shows the finished painting on panel. What you can't see is that image extends around the edges of the panel, too. The best way to display a painting on panel in this state is on a decorative tabletop-style easel, since there is no way to securely attach any hanging mechanism for wall display. The nice thing about this display method is that the painting can be moved around, and placed on a side table, a book shelf, a dresser or other flat surface.

Photo 2 shows the 1/2"x3/4" strips that I have cut and glued along the edges to the backside of the painting panel. You can also see a screw eye on each side for attaching a wire.

Photo 3 is a corner view of the painting with the strips glued on. The wood strips are painted black for a more finished look. In this state, the painting can now be displayed on the wall, too— no frame necessary and ideal if you prefer a more contemporary look.

With the wood strips glued to the panel, the painting is also ready for mounting in a canvas floater frame. This style of frame is my favorite, since it allows the entire painting to be viewed right to the edges. Having a little space between the painting and the front face of the frame actually expands the painting's image, allowing it to "breathe." I think this is especially important for smaller paintings, where any cropping of the painting with traditional framing seems to make the image appear even smaller.

The nice thing about canvas floater frames is that they come in ready-to-frame sizes (I use the Illusions brand.) and in custom lengths for nonstandard sized framing for the do-it-yourselfer. I did use Rub-N-Buff to get the gold color on the face, since the 8x6 only comes in flat black finish.

Photo 4 shows the back of the painting, with the floater frame attached to the panel's strips. The bottom image is the painting, framed and ready to hang on the wall.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this blog. Have a good day.

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Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.