Why buying unframed artworks makes so much sense

9 Aug

Logistical reasons:

- Normally you’d buy direct from the artist, so providence is easily established.

- No frame, so no cost of frame included in the price you pay for your artwork. You’re paying for your artwork only.

- Frames are heavy, and weight counts when shipping/posting work. No frames or glass means shipping is much less expensive, especially with works on paper. Smaller works on paper can be sent flat, while larger pieces can be rolled around a tube and suitably packaged for shipping.

- Deep-sided (3D) canvases can be hung unframed, and can look very stylish – but it’s all down to personal taste. However, very large canvases will need to be packaged very carefully, and possibly crated. Consult an art courier for more advice.

Aesthetic reasons:

- When you get your artwork unframed, you have the opportunity to frame it or them to suit your own home/style/colour scheme.

- You also have the chance to personalise or customise your framing and the overall look of the artwork, as certain colours/tones/hues in artwork can be enhanced by frame and/or mount to tie in with overall look of room and décor.

- A good framer can make the most of the elements of an artwork with the right combination of mount and frame.

- When getting customised framing done, it’s cheaper to get several pieces done at the same time, especially if they’re the same size and using the same materials.

- You might already have an antique frame you want to use, so getting your artwork unframed means you don’t get a frame you don’t want – so no waste.

Want to know more about buying an original unframed artwork? Please browse my Available Works page to see what’s available – your next one-of-a-kind showpiece could be there and waiting for you.

And if you are curious about the artwork below, it’s entitled Three Figures at the Last Bridge of Ross, acrylic on paper. It has now gone to a collector in the south-east of Ireland.