How you frame your artwork is extremely important. ​The frame around your art has a few functions. First it makes it possible to hang your art on the wall and it adds a finishing touch, but most important, it enhances the artwork and makes your picture pop.

There are a few things to consider when you're framing a picture:

What color are the walls where you want to hang your framed artwork?  When choosing a mat and frame you'll want to consider the colors already in the room where you're going to hang it,  so the finished piece will look like it belongs in the room. 

Does it need matting? Matting is an important part of framing, it's not always a needed element, but some pieces must have matting. If you don't know for sure, you definitely want to talk to a professional. 

What color in the picture do you want to highlight? Choosing the best mat color for your artwork is just as important as the frame you choose. How you present your art or picture is a personal preference, but you'll also want to consider the colors already in the room.

Choosing the frame...  Style, texture & color are all important to consider when selecting a frame. By subtling repeating colors and textures in the picture (not too much), you'll enhance the artwork with a custom finishing touch.

What kind of glass or glazing do you want? Did you know there are several different types of glass? Each type of glass has specific qualities, most of which are only available for custom framing where conservation or anti-reflective coatings are important to preserve your photos or artworks.
​

• Regular Glass - Typically you'll find regular glass on ready made frames. Regular glass only protects your art from dust and scratches. It does not protect your artwork from UV rays and doesn't have any anti-reflective properties.

 

• Non-Glare - This type of frame glazing offers protection from dust and scratches. It also has a slightly frosted glass to prevent glare and reflections and does not protect your art from UV rays.

 

• Conservation Clear - This offers the highest level of UV protection.  Over time exposure to indoor and outdoor UV light rays can contribute to fading and deterioration of art, photographs and other important personal keepsakes. Conservation Clear glass effectively blocks up to 99% of UV light rays to protect against fading and help keep framed pieces brighter, longer.

 

• Museum Glass - Museum Glass is the top of the line in picture framing glass. It has anti-reflection   with UV Protection makes it the best glazing option available for art, photographs and other personal keepsakes.  Museum Glass finish is nearly invisible, It looks as though nothing is there, plus it blocks up to 99% of indoor and outdoor UV light, so your framed pieces remain clearer and brighter for longer. I can't say enough about Museum Glass, it costs a little more, but when you see the finished piece you'll see why it's well worth the cost.  The basic guidelines: if your artwork is a valuable piece, if it's a treasured item or if a lot of light shines in the area you'll be hanging it, then you'll definitely want to use Museum Glass.

At Thornebrook Gallery we offer professional framing services with over 40 years of experience. We help you every step of the way to select the best materials that'll make your artwork stand out like you've never seen before. And working with a professional doesn't mean it has to break the bank, we work within any budget. 

Try a new take on "natural" colors with a palette inspired by water and sky. Natural Neutrals is a combination of a pale sky blue, cloud white, misty denim blue, and silvery gray

Other cool colors pair nicely with the Natural Neutrals palette. You can also throw in a pop of orange or more intense blues to mix it up. You can also try creating contrast with texture in the same color scheme

Trish Beckham, Susan Dauphinee and Robert Stebleton all paint with palettes that work perfectly with Natural Neutrals.

This uplifting combination of coral, a peachy shade of blush, navy, and light turquoise are so versatile. They work beautifully for a minimalist design theme, with nautical decor, or for more luxurious sensibilities.

Have fun with patterns and textures. All it takes is a couple of delightful statement pieces set against a highly pigmented accent wall and you're on your way!

Hope Barton, Margaret Tolbert, and Laura Adams Wilson all create artwork that is absolutely perfect with this type of color palette.