Matting Tips - Part 3 - Bottom Weighting

3. BOTTOM WEIGHTING

Here is a simple trick that can help take a simple matting project up one notch.  By adding some additional width to the border of the mat at the bottom of the image – it will add “weight” to the presentation.  This substance added to the bottom can also help give the entire look a professional touch.

The illustration here has added just another 1/2”.

Artwork courtesy of Patricia Arndt and inspired from Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes" website.
Mat created using the MatoMatic tool - courtesy of www.matshop.com.
You can do it too and best of all its FREE!

Simple Matting Tips - Part 2 - Double Mats

2. DOUBLE MAT

Another common matting technique – the basics are the same as for a single mat above except that your second mat fits underneath the outer mat and acts like a small “liner” that catches your eye and draws it into the image. That is why the second mat in a double mat is usually a contrasting color that is also one of the colors in the image. It will attract the eye – and because it matches a color in the image – draw your eye to that part of the image.

Artwork courtesy of Patricia Arndt and inspired from Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes" website.
Mat created using the MatoMatic tool - courtesy of www.matshop.com.
You can do it too and best of all its FREE!

Here are some simple tips to use in matting your artwork, photos etc that can enhance and present them professionally. I will post them one at a time over the next few days.

1. BASIC SINGLE MAT
2. DOUBLE MAT
3. BOTTOM WEIGHTING
4. SINGLE MAT FLOAT
5. TRIPLE MAT OR DOUBLE MAT FLOAT


1. BASIC SINGLE MAT

This is what most people think of when matting a picture. One mat with an open¬ing cut to just slightly overlap the image you are matting and even borders of mat all around. As simple and elegant presentation – the key here is choosing a color that will enhance the image without stealing away its focus.

Choose a border size for your mat that compliments but does not take away from the picture as well. The more neutral the color of your mat – the larger border you can get away with because of the contrast. That is why you can often appreciate contrasting black and white photos in very wide bordered white mats in a gallery setting.

Often people will use about ¼ of the smallest dimension as a guide. For example; an 8” x 10” photo with a 2” mat border is common.

Also remember to measure the opening you need so that it is at least ¼” smaller than your image if you want to mount the image behind the mat. You will need some of the image paper to fasten to the back of the mat – unless you plan to “float” it as we describe later in this article.


Artwork courtesy of Patricia Arndt and inspired from Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes" website.
Mat created using the MatoMatic tool - courtesy of www.matshop.com.
You can do it too and best of all its FREE!

Art Value

A simple thought today - I am wondering aloud about what determines the value of a piece of art.  Certainly we are aware of the things in the marketplace that contribute - the quality of the work, popularity and stature of the artist, consistency of the artist's work, promotion and commercialization - but that is not really where I am going with this.

Deeper values are intrinsically personal.  What you believe, what you consider of value has special meaning to you that it has to no one else.  Just so then, if you are attracted to a piece of art and it represents value to you - then the monetary concerns are secondary.

It's back to appreciating what speaks to you and investing in what you like!  Isn't it great that there are as many artists and great pieces of work out there for all of us to find things we appreciate!