Why Frame Without Glass?
WHY FRAME WITHOUT GLASS?
To the left is my watercolour painting, Golden Reflections, presented without glass. I began using this framing method in 2021. Taking advantage of technological advances in art materials, I like the clean, contemporary look of the wood frame and no glass.
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Prior to this, I painted on 100% cotton paper and protected my watercolour paintings in the traditional manner, with museum quality matting, backing board, and coordinated moldings to hold the 'sandwich' together. An example of this presentation is pictured below.
These traditional archival materials worked well to shield the artwork from environmental damage, but were heavy and fragile to transport and display. The worst aspect was that reflections in the glass often impeded viewing of the painted image. If you look closely you can see the reflection on the glass of the Red Wing Blackbird painting below.
With my new method of mounting, the artwork is created the same way, but sandwiched differently. I still paint on 100% cotton watercolour paper. After the painting is completed, it is supported from behind by a wooden art panel called a cradle and sealed on the front with a UV resistant coating and acrylic vanish or cold wax, that takes the place of glass.
This new process provides a clean, updated look to the artwork, helps protect the painting from humidity and
colour fading, and allows the piece to be hung without the glare and weight of glass.
Now my watercolours have the visual impact of an oil or acrylic painting, while still showcasing the soft colour transitions and glowing light effects of traditional watercolour. I think of this as having the best of both worlds.
