Buying original artwork

[barefootinkitchen]

For those of you that buy original paintings, would you rather pay a bit more for something say in a nice wooden floater frame to save you the hassle of taking it to the framers or buy unframed and pay for framing yourself?
I've started selling my abstract paintings . Most buyers seem to be interested in interiors/ home decor . Prices not high end, 100 pounds to 400 ish.

[JoJoSM2]

Could you offer framed/unframed prices? We normally go with unframed so that the frame matches the style of the interior (order them online instead). However, once we bought a simple lithograph in an elaborate gold frame. The frame really enhanced the work but I would have never thought of that combination myself.

[JoJoSM2]

Actually, thinking about it, we also have a painting that came with a really unique distressed frame and when we saw it we literally loved the frame as much as the work itself.

[barefootinkitchen]

@jojoSM2 thanks for responding . I know what you mean about unique frames we have bought something like that too.
These paintings are quite lively colourful abstracts so I would have to go with a simple thin but deep frame.

[JoJoSM2]

I suppose it'd be your best bet to offer them either framed or unframed.

[barefootinkitchen]

Anyone else ? Please ?

[intelligentPutty]

Although you say it's not high end prices. For a lot of people spending 100 - 400 on original artwork is still an 'investment'
I think if I was choosing I'd like it framed as then it's presented as it will look in my home.
And I know exactly how much I am paying.
Also the frame can really make a picture pop. (Or in fact do the opposite) and you as the artist will know what will really make it stand out from the rest.
Hope that helps.

[Haint]

I think the frame is incredibly important. It can make or break a piece

Also if someone buys a painting for £100 they might not be considering at that time that they’ll need to spend the same again on a frame

I’d get them beautifully framed and charge twice as much

(I can recommend an AMAZING) framer if you’re in need of one)

[KTD27]

Framed. That's how I visualise it and it's part of what I buy when I buy art.
Also having things framed properly can cost a FORTUNE so if it's already done to a high standard I'm happy to pay for the complete piece

[Justonemorepleasethen]

Framed. Can we some some of your artwork please?

[Justonemorepleasethen]

*see

[Mustang27]

If always buy framed but maybe offer the choice. Do you have a pic of your work I’d love to see it.

[barefootinkitchen]

Thanks for the responses. I do think my art looks better framed. A customer sent me a photo today of two A4 paintings on paper she'd framed . I sold them unframed as it was an international sale but I was pleased to see how much better they looked.
For larger paintings it sounds like most of you would buy framed. I have a great local framer who said they'd do discounts for artists so maybe I should splash out and get some framed. And see how they look. I was worrying that if they don't sell, I'll waste my money. I've only started selling recently and sales are not regular.

[JoJoSM2]

I don't know how much of a discount the framer will give you but when we ordered frames online, they literally only about 25% of the local framer's quote.

[barefootinkitchen]

@mustang27 @justonemorepleasethen
I can show you a photo. I mostly use Instagram to show what I'm working on. Am I allowed to post a link to that do you think ?
I worked out how to add photos now

[Mustang27]

They are really lovely. I have seen others posting links on homemade jewellery and things. I can’t see any real reason to object.

[barefootinkitchen]

I have too come to think of it. On Instagram I'm helendean_art

[JoJoSM2]

Just had a look at your stuff on Insta and it's fab! Very easy to use in a residential setting too.

[CreativeMumma]

i'm also an artist, the only problem with selling framed is the chance of damage when shipping - and the extra cost of packaging etc.

It might be worth having some framed and shown as examples of how they look.

[Agoddessonamountaintop]

They're lovely barefoot. Are the smaller ones on canvas? They're fine unframed and quite robust for posting, I should think.
As an aspiring artist, can I ask: how do you generate sales? Is it purely instagram?

[Agoddessonamountaintop]

Also, if they're oils, I don't think they're supposed to be under glass.

[barefootinkitchen]

Hi . My question was more about the more expensive work on canvas. I was thinking a light oak frame which looks thin from the front. I do spend a lot on packing canvases - making my own boxes and using lots of bubble wrap . I need to factor that in.

[barefootinkitchen]

@jojoSM2 Thank you I might look into online framing for works on paper.

[barefootinkitchen]

@agoddessonamountaintop
No, I wouldn't use glass. They're acrylics on canvas . Generating sales is hard especially hard to get seen on Instagram since the new algorithm. I think marketing takes a lot of time to be effective. I know I'm not doing enough but am balanced a day job, family.
Most sales have come from Instagram though.

[Ttbb]

I would prefer unframed so that I could choose sonething to suit my decor.

[silkpyjamasallday]

I personally like to have the option of unframed, I'm eyeing up something now which I absolutely love, but hate the frame it's in, so I have to make the decision if it's worth an extra £200 or so. Which is what I paid for the last piece I framed, which only cost me £50 to buy. I wanted a very very chunky solid wood frame though and it complements the work perfectly.

I'd offer the choice of unframed OP, especially for the more expensive pieces, as well as offering the style of frame in different colours/woods. I wouldn't want a light coloured wood frame personally as it wouldn't go with my others or my decor. Maybe offer a plain white as opposed to wood?

Absolutely love your work by the way OP, I've always loved the carefree semi abstracts that really show the motion of the brushstrokes but I could never do it and still communicate the subject or it looked too contrived.