Painting the sides of your canvas?

[JustinBeckett]

Ok, i have seen this in galleries, canvases that are displayed unframed, and the sides are painted. But, my question is should you or shouldn't you paint the sides, if you aren't framing it. Also another question, what colour to paint the sides? Complimentary colours too the painting, black, red, blue green, etc...?

~JB

[Interceptor]

I'my noy too familiar with traditional work.. But I'd imagine takign the Bruce Lee approach. punch behind your target, not where you want to hit. So you have your full energy through the whole strike. Maybe if you paint the sides as well, the energy of your oicture is at less risk of dying out before they hit the edge.

[Seedling]

Justin - it's a personal thing. Do what looks good to you.

Interceptor - roflmao!

[Grendel Grack]

If you are using a standard depth canvas, usually galleries expect you to frame it, in which case you don't have to worry about painting the sides. If, however, you insist on not framing it, the sides shoud be painted. The color depends upon personal preference. Even if you like the look with out painting, give the sides a coat of white and make sure to tape along the edge so you get a nice straight line. This will make your piece look more neat and professional.

Another option, instead of painting a solid color, is to continue the painting around the edges. This effect works very nicely with deep edge or gallery wrap canvases. These canvases are specifically made for artists who choose not to frame. They are generally made of a sturdier wood and are less prone to warping (in most cases).

When in doubt about color, just go with black. It works every time.

[DavePalumbo]

I personally think unframed work with painted sides looks lazy, cheap, and unfinished, but that's just my own opinion. Presentation makes a significant difference in how people react to your work, so make sure you prefer the look and think it compliments your piece and are not just avoiding framing because it's a pain in the ass (this is coming from a guy who passionately hates building frames).

that said, simple white with clean edges generally works best in my opinion, especially if your gallery has white walls.

Many people may also choose to have the piece framed after purchase anyhow. This isn't uncommon even with pieces already framed.

[Qitsune]

I have seen very small non intrusive frames (I think they are called L-frames) for canvases it's like a box you stick your piece in, I think they require you to paint the sides as well. I generally paint the sides black wether or not I frame them.

[Tully]

I tend to go for painting the sides the colour of the wall that it's going to be hung on. It's unintrusive but not messy looking like they can sometimes get while you're working on them. Failing that, any other colour that doesn't attract too much attention is usually going to be fine.

[Blaze Firestorm]

Just make a completely new painting on the sides :O

[DavePalumbo]

a box you stick your piece in, I think they require you to paint the sides as well

shadow boxes? there's typicaly about a half inch to an inch between your painting and the inside edge of the frame

[Qitsune]

This is what I'm talking about, I've heard them called l-frames or float-frames (altought somewhere else a float frame was a frame where you put your pic between 2 layers of glass)
http://www.hartfordfineart.com/gallery_frames.asp?view=252

http://www.hangit.com.au/styles.htm

Float frame

A float frame is a special "L" shaped moulding made to enhance a stretched canvas, (when it is not being covered by glass). A float frame does not overlap the edge of the painting, but sits behind and around the edge, often leaving a space between the frame and the painting - so the painting appears to be floating within the frame.

[Ilaekae]

I'm slowly switching from stretched canvas to panels glued to wood strips and covered with canvas and burlap and shit. If you do it neatly and carefully, you end up with a nice thick "slab" look that looks good on the wall. Then I just continue the painting onto the sides.

Lot of work, but it has one really good rationale...I have no income to buy frames, so my expenses are cut way down. Larger pieces, like 30x40 and above, I use those simple metal frames you assemble with corner pieces. On really big pieces, I go googy and just screw or bolt on trim wood that i paint or stain...right through the 2x2 stretchers I use.

[Seedling]

This is what I'm talking about, I've heard them called l-frames or float-frames (altought somewhere else a float frame was a frame where you put your pic between 2 layers of glass)
http://www.hartfordfineart.com/gallery_frames.asp?view=252

Yikes! For that price you might as well go to a professional framer.

[Flake]

I knew a guy who would just buy framed prints of unicorns leaping over rainbows and shiny ferraris ( you know the stuff I mean, "Athena, the poster people" kinda stuff) then pull the back out, cut a new board to fit then paint on that.

Framed and glazed painting for about 3 quid, he seemed to do pretty well with it.

I don't think anyone ever noticed..

[JustinBeckett]

Damn been busy, lost track of this thread too. Thank you all for the info once again, it all helps alot!

Now what would i do without you guys... :D