How to Update an Old Framed Painting
I showed this floral oil painting to you in my master bedroom progress post here.
I found it on a road trip years ago in a little second hand shop in Kagawong, a small town on Manitoulin Island in northern Ontario.
Here’s the before.
I fell in love with this painting the moment I saw it. I am, and always have been, a real sucker for florals.
Here’s a close up, just because I love it so much.
It’s signed S. Contini in the bottom right corner. Whoever you are S. Contini you’re very talented, and this painting has given me much pleasure.
Sadly, for the last year or so it’s been leaning against the wall in the upstairs hallway waiting for the bedroom makeover so it could be loved and enjoyed the way it should be.
To me the look of the frame was very heavy, and it was time to do something about that.
I still loved the painting, but the frame just wasn’t working for me anymore.
The easiest way to update the look of a framed painting is to remove the frame and hang it au natural.
I love the look of unframed canvases.
The painting was held into the frame with just 4 small nails, one in the middle of each side of the frame.
Removing the canvas from the frame was a lot easier than I thought. I was worried about damaging the canvas, but I was very gentle with the chisel and pliers so it was just fine.
Here’s the the painting with the frame again.
And here’s the after.
I have to say that I love the painting even more without the big bulky frame, which will either be repurposed or put on a summer night bonfire. I haven’t decided yet.
So, which one do you prefer… framed or frameless?
Removing the frame really does make a difference. Tuula I'm worried about you though, what blogger burns a frame lol
I prefer it frameless, although if the frame were painted a different color, I would like it framed as well. It looks like a pretty frame, just not such a pretty color. The painting itself is so beautiful though…love it! Have a wonderful day.
Blessings, Vicky
I hope you said speak freely. Here goes . . . in my opinion, the frame didn't do anything for the picture in it's present setting. The painting does look better without it over your bed but I think something else is needed to balance out the size of the bed. Perhaps smaller unframed paintings on either side. Sometimes I have to stare at things for a long time to get a feel of what I actually want. That's what you've been doing and I'm sure it will hit you eventually on the look you're going after. Mel is right about the burning and as a thrift shopper, I doubt that you would.
Tuula, I do like that painting sans the frame, but don't you dare throw that frame on a bonfire!! LOLl! You know you can make something out of it!!
Sometimes the frames just don't match the personality of the picture, I agree that it looks much better all by itself. I also like using groups of frames without any pictures. Thanks for sharing.
I'm laughing at the comments! I prefer it out of that particular frame- it was way too heavy for the lightness of your bedroom.
I like the back side of the frame better…I know you'll have a brilliant idea on how to use it!
May be I don't have good taste, but I like the frame and I think the painting looks better with the frame. I like this oil painting, so pretty. I'm looking for one to hang in my bedroom too.
I don't really feel that it's a question of good taste or bad taste… it's just about what we like as individuals. The painting is one of my favourite things, and I love it more without the frame, but that's just me. It's not necessarily right or wrong. I hope you find one that you love for your bedroom… with a frame if that's what you prefer. Thanks so much for stopping by.
I also like the frame. Try painting it the color of your bed or white and see if it works. The picture is pretty but needs something else…it looks lonesome.
I like the simplicity of your unframed print. It looks really pretty with your headboard.
I take canvases out of the frame to hang, but then I paint the frames and use them either next to the painting or in this case I may hang it vertically behind the canvas. Sometimes I turn the frame around and use the back. But then I am all for layers upon layers. I do love the painting.
Way to repurpose your picture Tuula! After reading all those comments, I think you have been challenged to create something amazing with that old frame. The pressures on……lol
I like it without the frame too. But, please don't destroy the old frame. It would make a great chalkboard for someone else if you don't want it.
I like it frameless too Tuula. If the frame is wood, you can paint it, distress it and sell it in your etsy shop. I've sold a few and that's something easy to ship.
The picture does look more 'current' out of the frame. Either way works for me but the wood look was awfully heavy for that size picture.
I like it either way – but that frame would have to be painted !
DO NOT THROW IT IN A BONFIRE – I'm stunned that came out of your mouth – lack of sleep? LOL
xoxo
I like the frameless! Looks great!
Sherry
I like it without the frame…and your room is looking mah-velllllous!!
-andi
I love it without the frame, but how about recycling it in some way?
Surprise us!
Hugs,
Patti