This is a timely concern since I'm preparing for an exhibition next month and I have a lot of new work to be framed. I'm fortunate in several ways: I live in a mid-sized city (Salt Lake City) with a lot of framing resources at hand. I have a favorite framer (Bullock Frames) that does a great job and gives me a discount as a member of the Utah Watercolor Society.  And my taste in frames runs toward the simple, which, in my opinion, puts the focus where it belongs – on the art. 

But even "simple" can be very classy and professional.  And it can help buyers envision a piece of art in their home. Since I work mostly in mixed water media, most of my work is matted as well as framed. I almost always avoid colored mats because they might not match the buyer's decor. The very rare exceptions were paintings that were moody and seemed to beg for a darker, though still neutral, mat. 

Someday I may invest in the tools to make my own frames, but, until then, I'll go with the pros and learn all I can about framing and the preferences of my customers. 

Here's one of the new pieces for next month's exhibit.