Getting Framed

Jan/Feb 2019 edition
Issue #3 AutoMobilia Resource Magazine
Steve Austin

It occurred to me this might be a good time to talk about framing pieces of art, the cost and the rewards, or in some cases the lack of reward. 

As an example, my exhibits are of various and multiple pieces; therefore it is very important not to emphasize one piece over another through the framing.

A good mantra to follow is, “It’s the art, dummy, not the frame.” It is quite amazing how many times I see wonderful pieces of art overshadowed by a too big or too ornate surrounding. Chances are, that if someone says to you “nice painting, I love the frame”, you may very well have overdone the frame.

So how does one go about choosing a nice frame for any particular piece? Some of it is reasonably simple. Car art has a wonderful wide range of emotions, and the question you always need to ask yourself is…. Where are you going to hang it?

Most car art is going to find a home in a study, games room, family room or garage. Each location will demand some adjustments – the study, a more toned down, dark rich wood. The family and games room is where you can have great fun, and anything goes, within reason. Remember, your wall decoration also states who you are. 

Be brave with your choices, but don’t look like a ‘wild and crazy guy’ unless you are one! Similarly, don’t be too low key, as you might be mistaken for the kind of person who thinks ‘War and Peace’ is light reading.

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