What is the Best Artwork for Your Cottage?

Trends indicate that summer homes and cottages are fast becoming one of the most popular real estate investments.  As the babyboomer generation ages, they are looking at cottages as future retirement homes or sound investments.  They also may have inherited the family cottage from aging or deceased parents.

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Framing Works of Art on Paper: Why Use Mats?

1920s Collage

Works on paper are the most common popular form of art. These include: reproductions, limited edition prints, watercolours, pastels, acrylics and photographs. Works on paper require specific framing techniques to protect them from the environment and to ensure their longevity.  This article will focus on the purpose of matting and the different types of mats including: mat designs and mat cuts.

Why Use Mats?

Mats have three main purposes:

1. To prevent the art from touching the frame’s glass. It is important to have an “air space” between the artwork and the glass, otherwise moisture or condensation may build up and cause mildew or foxing to occur. Photos will often stick to the glass if a mat is not used.
2. For aesthetic purposes.  Mats come in a wide variety of styles, colours and types.  Well-designed mat combinations highlight the artwork and help focus the eye of the viewer on it.
3. For conservation purposes.  Acid-free materials are used to protect artwork that is irreplaceable, or has a potential monetary or sentimental value.

Artwork on Canvas: What is it and How is it Framed?

A tour of any museum or art gallery makes it perfectly obvious that for centuries artists have been painting on canvas, primarily with oils and more recently acrylics. With today’s technology, reproductions are also available on canvas.  This is often confusing and may cause uncertainty about what is actually being purchased and its possible future value.

What is a Canvas Transfer?

Most reproductions can now be put on canvas.  The procedure involves applying a lamination film on the face of the reproduction, stripping the paper off the back and then mounting the image directly onto the canvas.  This technique has many advantages especially with larger reproductions.  Canvas transfers have:

• A canvas texture
• No glass
• No mats
• An Ultra-violet film which helps prevent fading and has a non-glare image
• The ability to be wiped down with a damp cloth

The canvas transfer technique is a good option for traditional or contemporary pieces that originally were painted onto canvas because it creates a more “authentic” appearance.