Frames - what sizes?

[Ed Cahill]

I have access to very good quality plein air frames with closed corners. I was thinking about offering them to members at a very good price but I can only stock a limited amount of inventory so I need an idea what style and sizes would be most popular. If there is some interest then I will give it  ago.

I'm thinking just a few styles, gold, and black, black with an inner gold lip and possibly silver. As far as size is concerned — 8x10, 9x12, 11x14...?

Your input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed Cahill

[Mike Kowalski]

Ed,

I'd like to see what you are offering. I have fallen to the level of making my own again because I want a certain style. I think for plein air artists all the standard sizes under 12 x 16 should suffice. I personally like odd sizes. 7 x 10, 8 x 12, 10 x 14... it gets me into trouble. You might want to think about a 12 x 12 or maybe an 8 x 16. A few good styles should be all you need.

Good luck,

Mike

[Thomas Wezwick]

Hi Ed..sounds interesting ........thats a lot of trouble for you......I guess........so I think I might also be interested . Do you have some pictures???....possible prices.etc....Hows the painting going???

[Ed Cahill]

Thanks guys, —Mike those sizes are odd...I'm finding that I can get a range from 6x8 (not many to choose) 8x10 (good selection) 9x12 (Very good selection) 11 x14 is good too up to bigger sizes but very few squares, some 12 x12 and 18 x18.

Tom I think you paint a bit larger 16 x20 and they have a good range in that larger size.

I like the wider widths 3.5 -4.5" but 3.5 appears to be the magic number there with a much wider range of sizes.

I want to by in case quantity (6 to 8)  and save us another 10%

I have found a real high end supplier too but they only do custom work and I have not done my homework on them.

[Donald Maier]

I guess gold is an old traditional stand by, although I have never liked it myself. I prefer the weathered distressed wood with maybe a thin off white liner. I like a white frame too. I think you need a light, middle value and a dark frame choices. Maybe off white, gold and black or dark brown, something like that. So what kind of prices are you thinking?

[Mike Kowalski]

Ed,

Ok here is my 2 cents. A lot of the problem I have with the imported frames is their finish. The gold finish can often look cheesy and clunky. I think it is better to opt for black ( which is just about all you see in plein air shows these days ). Black goes with everything... not so much gold. I'd check out some sample frames. If the finish is a bit too glossy you can knock it back with a mat varnish, or if the finish can handle it... light rubbing with fine steel wool. You could even distress them for a few extra bucks. Personally with the rough treatment I give my frames... the more distressed the better. Sticking with standard sizes is probably the only way to go.

The last custom framer I used was the cheapest, best I could find. If you are interested in looking at their products and pricing send me an email @ [e-mail]

Good luck.

Mike

[Becky Joy]

I agree black instead of gold. I have some gold left and I knocked down the gold by putting an antique finish over them. I have resorted to making some of my own also. I have lately been using 8x8, 12x12 and 8x16 along with the standard sizes. The distressed finish is nice, because you don't have to worry about them as much. And lately the frames are getting used more and hauled around.

[Georgina Rey]

I like off white and American box frames so the painting floats and you can see the edges of the picture- 8x10 and 6x8.

Do you have any of these?

[Ed Cahill]

Sorry, folks I'm still researching this project. It looks like everyone has different ideas and tastes but I am trying to come to a consensus of about a dozen sizes and styles.

6x8

8x10

9x12

11x14

12x12

18x24

12x16

16x20

Those are the sizes that are being mass produced—Not to many plein air painters are painting larger. These frames have wide 3 -4.5" widths and are best for panels. All are available in gold, black w/gold or silver. I don't think the silver is in fashion right now but they can always be painted.  There are some floater frames too.

I also would like to come up with the worst case shipping cost and include that so we don't have to fool with trying to figure that out. I am starting to do shows and plein air events and it's mandatory that you have a good supply of frames. I also prefer to not sell a painting without a frame, Finally, I live in area where the manufactures have large wholesale operations near so I can pick them up and avoid shipping costs.  

I'm attaching a jpeg of some of the styles —nothing earth shattering here. I do like the weathered black finishes with the gold lip in addition I found that my darker paintings look better in a gold frame. The quality I think is good–solid wood with good finishes and good leaf work. Prices vary but a 9x12 gold leaf would be around $55 + shipping

[Mike Kowalski]

Good luck with it Ed. If there are any events close enough by... contact the organizers and see if you can peddle your frames, or offer them during the week. I am always in need of a frame or two during an event. It'd be nice to deal with another artist as well.

Mike