Custom-Crafted frames, using aluminum and wood

Many of my paintings are hung in custom-crafted frames, in the true sense. My frame builder (Contact Mark) starts with raw aluminum, uncut, and just-milled lumber. Everything is welded, riveted, powder-coated, planed, milled, or shellacked by the frame builder, himself. Nothing is bought already-made by mass-produced retailers. I emphasize this because the frame you hang your painting in can make (or break) your painting. The right frame, a well-built frame, can set your art off in spectacular fashion. If you invest in a painting, you can think of the frame as a means to protect your investment.

Custom-frames come in three basic types. The price for each type will vary based on the size and type of wood used. For larger paintings (particularly if they are wood panel), I recommend that you hang them using a sturdy wall-mount, such as a French cleat.

Wood-and-Aluminum Frame (see photos below): these frames are restrained and elegant, with a mid-century-modern or contemporary Danish ethos about them. My default is to use custom-milled walnut applied to the base aluminum frame. However, depending on your preference, another wood could be used, including Douglas fir, spruce, mahogany, or pine. These frames typically have a 1/16-1/8 inch space between the edge of the painting and the frame. The aluminum base will welded, riveted, or both.

New York Aluminum Float Frame (see photos below): these frames are the minimalist option, and they tend to be used more often for smaller paintings. These frames wrap the painting in a simple band of aluminum, and like the Sante Fe Float Frame, these frames typically have a 1/8-1/4 inch space between the edge of the painting and the frame.

Santa Fe Aluminum Float Frame (see photos below): these frames are distinguished by their iconic aluminum strapping that serves as the border of the painting and sets it all off from whatever the wall background is. The flat strapping is welded to a welded box structure in which the painting is set. These frames typically have a 1/8-1/4 inch space between the edge of the painting and the frame. This creates a shadow effect that sets the painting off well from its surroundings. In limited quantities, I also have some frames that are professionally powder-coated in a bronze color, if you prefer that to a brushed aluminum finish. I also have a few frames with a clear powder-coat finish that gives a matte-silver finish.

Cost

If you don’t have a particular preference for a frame, your painting will arrive in one of the three above and be priced accordingly. If you have a particular preference, the price might be adjusted to account for the cost of making a frame just for you. Lastly, I have in limited quantities aluminum frames that depart slightly from the standard designs described above, which you can see photos of, below.

Just reach out if you have any questions.