Black is not a Frame

Black is not a Frame: It's a Line - Northern Michigan's Premier Picture Framer and Display Specialist

Copyright© Northern Michigan's Premier Picture Framer and Display Specialist 2014

Black and White, or any High Contrast Art


High contrast art is sometimes the hardest to design. 
The question is, "What combination brings out the most details of the art and helps me to see the art first".

• The most logical 'maybe' is to use white or black mats and frames.  But, ask yourself this.  How much of the Black & White  photographic/etching/monopriny....  image has areas of pure white or pure black?  Often it is a variation of grays. So frame it in the gray that most makes the artwork come forward (neutral to the art).
• A light mat on a very dark photo or picture will make the picture appear darker and decrease the visible detail by having too much intensity for the subtleties of the photograph or artwork. Vis-à-vis the dark mat on a light artwork. If the photo or artwork has large areas of darks or lights use a mat that blends with the largest amount of color (black, white, or gray).
• Several shades of white, grays or blacks can be tried until the balance is correct and the eye travels first to the photo.

This also applies to any art form that is extremely dark or light