Preparing Work for an Exhibition

Thanks go to Lesley McBride, who recorded Caroline’s talk, and to Judy Alexander for the images.

Caroline Marsland’s talk today was especially helpful, with the Club’s upcoming exhibition in August now only weeks away. Some valuable advice about choice of frames and examples of different effects will be valuable to those who are putting work forward shortly.

Choosing a Frame

It is always best to go simple. For example, a busy picture does not want to compete with a very ornate frame, but using a large white mount can offset this.

The frame should hold the picture together. Maybe use a lesser colour from the picture in the frame.

Natural wood frames are not in vogue at present, and heavy dark frames are also out of favour.

 

Using mounts can help to draw the eye into a smaller picture, or a larger, thicker frame can add drama to a small picture

Framing

Try car boot sales for old frames, where you can fine old frames very cheaply. You can rub them down before painting or varnishing, (chalk paint  is available in Aldi for £4.95 per tin and comes in antique white and grey). Also try second hand shops or charity shops . Ikea do good frames at reasonable prices, as do B&Q, Dunelm, Asda @ Hollingbury and The Range in Worthing. Use architraving if you have a mitre saw.

Unusual frames can be made using driftwood, twigs, or an old clock face. Craft frames can be made using any old stuff glued to the frame, then sprayed to unify it. Box frames always look good.

Backing

Use D-rings or eye hooks. D-rings are on Amazon for a bag of 100 (£5-£6). String can also be found at car boots or on-line. You must use strong string or wire with proper eye hooks or D-rings. Clip frames are not accepted.

A pushing tool is available online to put in the flat hooks which secure the painting to the backing board.

Put your name and contact details on the reverse, along with any that the Club has requestewd. Think about how the back will look to the buyer, when it is taken down.

Pricing

£35 minimum please, for the club exhibitions. Base the price on the amount of work time you have put into the picture. Also consider the materials used (frame, brushes, paint etc.). Or, if it is one of our favourite pieces, charge accordingly.

Helpful Hints

Offer to help on hanging day to get your work in a good position! If you are very unhappy, tell someone about it and they’ll try to improve things for you, maybe with better lighting.

When selling, remember that people often don’t want a really big picture, as they may not have room in their house.

You must be quite thick –skinned when hearing comments on your work. Try not to take offence, but take on board any constructive criticism.

Good fortune to all exhibitors!