Total Art Soul - for artists

My frames tend to blend in with the artworks, I do them myself. My artwork is very different and no 'off the shelf' frames work which Is why I do this.

When I have a show in another country, I send unframed works on canvas with worked sides. For shows more locally, I frame.

JimJuris wrote:
That is debatable. Is the artwork being shipped? If so, then it adds more weight and increased cost for shipping.

Normally, I think that the frame should be left up to the person buying the artwork. The person may not like the frame that you used for some reason.

I don't see why you could not offer both framed and unframed works of art.

....and that is why it's being debated. The dilemma is that there are people who will only look at work that is ready to hang (the majority in my experience) and of course there are others who would rather choose their own frame. It's easy enough to remove the frame if requested so stating that option when selling online is worthwhile. The other thing to consider in my case is that the surface of the completed work is often fragile as in pastel, pencil or even watercolour and is never truly safe until framed behind glass (or plastic) so even for storage at home I like to have them all safely framed. They are then ready to exhibit at a moments notice and if framed it always shows a piece off better if being seen 'in the flesh' at home or anywhere else.

Thanks Jim, for your thoughts on the matter. I don't use box frame canvases so the sides are unpainted and may have staples or pin nails down around the sides. It's not the best presentation. I take on board what everyone's had to say and I agree with most of what's been said.
I think I'll have to frame my work [ and use plexi glass - thanks Peter ].
If the customer wants it unframed ,fine, otherwise I'll frame them all.
Have a good one. Stephen.

Hi - it makes a difference what the venue is. Many people sell unframed artwork on-line at places such as Etsy and Ebay.

For art fairs it is good to have some framed and some matted sealed in cello bags to offer different price points.

For gallerys, framing is the way to go.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for that - much appreciated.
Just had a quick look at your work and I love it. I love the sunlight you use in your paintings - it brings them to life.
Wish I had some of that sunlight here now. Another long frosty winter to look forward to. Stephen.