Framing options:

Prices approximate for 6x8 to12x16, as of May 2025

Framing can have a big impact on the mood of a piece…and can be expensive!! There are some effective yet inexpensive options however.

Most of my paintings are on standard size panels: 6x8, 8x8, 8x10, 9x12, 12x12, 12x16, 16x20 etc. Ready-made frames come in a number of style options at reasonable prices (not all frame styles come in all sizes however). Note that for all of these, you’ll have to install wire or a hanging clip (see end of doc). Here are some frame options to consider:

Gallery frames $20-50

These are the least expensive and are fairly neutral, and come in a range of colors. Black frames on small pieces can look heavy—sometimes that boldness is what you want, sometimes it can lock a piece in.

Check out Jerry’s Artarama online, or Blick Art Materials online or in stores.

Plein air frames $65-90

These traditional frames offer a wider face, and some offer a contrasting liner to lighten the overall effect.  Some of these have an old museum feel, with hand-painted and/or rubbed finishes.

Online, check out Jerry’s Artarama, Blick Art Materials, and King Of Frame (kingofframe.com).

Floater frames $35-50

With floaters, the art has a gap between it and the frame, and the face of the frame aligns with the face of the art, so the frame does not throw a shadow on the art. Floaters require the artwork to be a specific depth to work this way, or for shims/blocks to be installed to make the piece the correct depth. They also require the painting to go to or around the edge of the canvas or panel for a finished look—though a raw edge look can be cool for some pieces.

Online, check out Blick Art Materials, Jerry’s Artarama, or Jackson’s Art Supplies.

For all frames, picture wire will need to be added, with screw eyes or other hardware mounted to the back of the frame. Parts can be had at hardware stores.

Gallery frames usually have a panel to hold the artwork in place; plein air frames will require glaziers points to hold the art in place; and floater frames will require either glue (RTV or similar) or screws to hold the piece. There are plenty of YouTube videos for these techniques!