How to Frame Paintings

A painting done on paper is more vulnerable to damage than one on canvas or wood panel, whatever the medium. Paper absorbs moisture from the air, is damaged by exposure to strong light, can be torn relatively easily, etc. To some extent you can protect the painting by varnishing, but if longevity is important for the piece, then I would frame it under glass.

If you want to show the edges of the paper, consider a box frame (Buy Direct) which is deep enough to allow you to 'float' the paper within the frame. Instead of putting a mount (mat) in front of the painting (which hides its edges), the painting is stuck onto it (or a backing board) with picture mount. Using foam tape (Buy Direct) gives a little gap behind the paper, enhancing the sense of it floating in space.

This is a very striking still life painting/drawing with a Shabbat theme, expressing tradition as the woman of the house blesses the Shabbat candles. The ink line drawing is spontaneous and raw and very expressive. The acrylic paint is bright and vibrant and gives the painting texture. The heavy weight paper shows through in many places providing additional texture and interest.