“A picture is worth a thousand words.” We’re all familiar with that saying, but Richard Curtner puts a clever twist on the adage with his one-of-a-kind collages. Armed with an X-Acto knife and an eye for detail, Richard blends visual beauty with verbal poetry, attracting clients from across the country — including at least one famous fan, Tom Hanks. (See Tom’s handwritten thank-you note on Richard’s Instagram page.)
Painstaking precision.
Richard’s subject matter runs in themes. One series is devoted to cities: San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, London and Paris among them. He has created whimsical works with cocktails and romantic couples as the star subjects. A recent focus is his “library” series — like the girl-in-window-seat collage shown here, titled “Collection.”
No matter what the scene, Richard’s process involves looking through magazines in search of the perfect words, phrases and color palettes. He trims out hundreds of details by hand with an X-Acto blade, glues them together and tops the finished work with a layer of varnish. After purchasing “Chaotic Embrace,” one Curtner aficionado wrote the artist saying, “I am still finding new lines to read every day.”
Balancing the complexity.
When an artwork is so meticulously detailed, it’s important for the framing to complement the piece and not overwhelm it. Richard appreciates Frame Destination’s wood frame Profile 852 for that reason. “The frame is modern-looking, and just enough to add elegance to the artwork without taking away from the complexity of the art itself,” Richard says.
See more of Richard’s work.
Based in Palm Springs, California, Richard is a prolific exhibitor, annually participating in 26 shows and festivals in 11 states. In lieu of a road trip, you can visit Richard’s Instagram page for his latest work, or see his complete collection via his online portfolio. In my Q&A below, you’ll learn how this artist sees his role in society, and the tender age at which he created his first collage.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Richard Curtner …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I don't remember a start, because as far back as I can remember I've always had a pencil or paint brush in my hand. I recently found a collage I created as a kid; my mother estimates that I was three years old. I don't remember a time where I wasn't creating, drawing or painting. It really has been my life-long passion, and if I am not creating I feel less than whole. I feel so privileged to be able to provide for my family of four financially with something that I love to do.
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
The artist serves as the eye of society, causing viewers to stop and reflect on expressions of the artist, but also to see expressions of themselves in the art. Art transports people to a favorite memory or a feeling, and it connects people to each other. It starts conversations and relationships. It adds flavor to life and is so much more than decor or pretty pictures, although it can also be just that when needed.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
The best formative experience has been the process. The process of making the art as well as selling that art and marketing the art. To get to any level of perfection many wonderful learning mistakes are made along the way.
4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
I am a fan of the visual arts as well as the literary arts. I have created a combination of both loves. I am fascinated how words on a page can create images in your mind. Artwork that includes those words adds another dimension to the artwork. It fills gaps in the visual imagery. I love that my selected words words within the works can reach the viewer on an emotional level. My art tells stories literally. It draws people in out of curiosity, but also keeps them there as they discover new elements, new phrases that speak to them.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
I have found that an artist has blocks just as a writer would. Sometimes it is a matter of just setting a set schedule of time to create and once creating it starts a momentum that helps you break through the block. Kind of like the idea behind "a body in motion stays in motion.” An artist in creation stays in a creative mode. Once you get that inspiration, you need to maximize it and work as long as humanly possible without stopping, because that's when everything flows together so easily and effortlessly.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
An X-Acto knife and a love for meticulous details.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
My artwork seems to evolve in phases. The themes change from year to year. One year the main focus of the pieces can be figurative pieces, the next year city scapes. This year the running theme seems to be my library series, literary-themed pieces.
8. What is your favorite paint color name?
Favorite color name is “periwinkle” just for the name. Favorite color is “terra cotta.”
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” We’re all familiar with that saying, but Richard Curtner puts a clever twist on the adage with his one-of-a-kind collages. Armed with an X-Acto knife and an eye for detail, Richard blends visual beauty with verbal poetry, attracting clients from across the country — including at least one […]
Your work is unique. It only follows that the presentation should highlight your one-of-a-kind creations. Whether you’re entering a juried art competition, presenting your work to a gallery or simply desiring to showcase your work in its very best light at home or in your office, here are a few guidelines to consider.
Always use the best materials.
That’s advice from Gary Freeman of Online Art Center, who adds that neutral frames can help prevent work from appearing “amateurish, cheap or out of place.” Gallerists and jurists are concerned the presentation of your work enhances rather than distracts from the piece. That can mean framing your art in a neutral frame like black, gray or white. Or it could mean no frame at all, with the sides of your artwork painted a complementary color. Beyond the frame, Gary suggests, “Whenever possible use archival materials in making and presenting your artwork.”
New trends with classic colors.
Many times a simple, modern frame is the right call. Photography and paintings often look their best in sleek frames. Our experience has been that black frames are the most traditional, particularly for photography. However, lately our creative friends say that white frames are becoming more popular on gallery walls. Professional Photographer, Jason Whitehead, who frames only in white and was originally inspired by Jason Lee’s work, says this about white frames, “They’re crisp and clean. It takes the photography and dissects it - like the photograph is all by itself on the wall.”
Whatever the hue, wood frames lend warmth to your presentation, while metal frames can convey a lighter modern flair. The bottom line is this: you want the viewer to see and focus on the art, not the frame.
The matter of matting.
Of course framing your work goes beyond the frame itself, and there are aesthetic reasons to consider adding a mat board. As the “frame within the frame,” matting draws in the viewer’s eye and helps create the mood and substance of your art. White mats can make a piece appear larger and lighter, while black mats can make it look smaller and denser. Practically speaking, mat boards help keep glass from scratching your work, and archival mats will help preserve your art for collectors to enjoy for many years to come.
Through the looking glass.
The different types of glass available for your frame all serve to protect your art from dust and damage. Although archival glass isn’t necessary for everything you’ll ever frame, for your gallery work we recommend it. Our UV-Filter Glass protects art from harmful UV rays. For larger works, UV/Non-Glare Acrylic is a nice lightweight option and less prone to breaking than glass. Optium Museum Acrylic® offers the same amazing visibility as Museum Glass but in acrylic and is perfect for valuable and sentimental art.
Ready for hang time.
When you bring your art to that much-admired gallery or enter that much-awaited show, make sure it’s ready to hang. Frame Destination has complete hanging kits for wood frames and for metal frames. (Sawtooth hangers aren’t strong enough to support your art safely.) We even have an easy way to mark just where the nail goes in the gallery wall. Oh, and if the gallery is in another city, check out our protective, reusable Gallery Pouch™ as you travel with your artwork.
Now that your art is ready for the world, take a moment to relax, breathe and enjoy the fruits of your artistic labor!
Last Updated Oct 27, 2021
Your work is unique. It only follows that the presentation should highlight your one-of-a-kind creations. Whether you’re entering a juried art competition, presenting your work to a gallery or simply desiring to showcase your work in its very best light at home or in your office, here are a few guidelines to consider. Always use […]
Having worked in the music and medical journalism fields, Ian Macleod has had his photographs featured in The Boston Globe, The Tacoma News Tribune and even a few album covers. These days, this Seattleite is focused on documenting the city’s fast-changing architecture. He sees the urban landscape as a “cinematic experience” that, through photography, is “collapsed into a singular, recontextualized instant.” We couldn’t have said that better ourselves.
From people to places.
As his focus moved from people to documenting places, Ian decided to earn a master’s degree in architecture. Apparently he tapped into that same resolute spirit the time he trudged 10 miles to capture a radio tower from different perspectives.
Professional presentation.
Ian enjoys being hands-on with his work, including the presentation. He appreciates Frame Destination’s high-quality, affordable moulding and glazing for DIY framing projects. “In particular, I’m a fan of Nielsen Profile 97 in Florentine Black,” Ian tells us. “For larger prints, this moulding is bold enough to set off the image from the wall, but subdued so as not to distract front he subject matter. The Florentine finish gives just a hint of texture and produces a very professional product.”
See more of Ian’s work.
If you Google “Ian Macleod,” you’re likely to wind up on the home page of the spirits distiller by the same name. You can skip that step and visit Ian’s Instagram page to enjoy his latest images. To view his full portfolio, including upcoming exhibit dates, go straight to his website. And to discover Ian’s childhood fascination, his biggest career regrets and his take on super long-focus lenses, check out our Q&A below.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Ian Macleod …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I don't think I'm unique among photographers in saying I was interested in the medium from a very early age. As a kid, I was fascinated by Polaroids—the magic of a print developing before your eyes. Initially I was far more interested in the technical aspect of instant photography and trying to understand the machinations behind the magic, but quickly grew to embrace the immediacy and objectivity of recording our individual experiences. About a decade later, I pursued an undergraduate degree in photojournalism.
2. How important is it for a photographer to “connect” with their subject?
I think this depends on the type of photography one practices. For my own work, it's highly divergent. For example, in street photography, it's more about connecting with the scene and setting, and allowing the pieces to fall into place. When traveling to a new city, I'll wander for hours to gain a sense of place, and plant myself on a street corner waiting for action to happen. Photographing architecture requires knowing a building’s character and background, so I'll do as much research I can on the architect and its history. Basically I treat the subject building much in the same way as I would photograph a person, attempting to capture its personality in a unique light.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Perhaps it's cliché, but “never stop shooting.” Don't worry about wasting film, or card space. Once a shoot is done, it can never be recaptured. Film and hard drive space are cheap compared to time, whether that's time spent on a shoot, or time passed since a shoot. My biggest regrets in my career are the photographs not captured, for posterity's sake or for the few extras that might fill out the story of a shoot. Your client might only choose one ‘highlight" image for their own purposes, but it's the photographic “b-sides" that end up going in my portfolio.
4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
My own work is, in a way, both a reflection and a counter to my personality. My mind is a bit of an "organized chaos," and photographing my day-to-day life is a way to sort out my memories and experiences. Compositionally, my work is antithetical to the way my brain works. I tend to favor the asymmetrical and off-balance, but the overarching theme is a subdued minimalism. In a way, focusing on conveying the most with the least is a way of taming my thought process. At any given time I have about 10 different projects cooking on the back burner, and focusing on simple composition allows me to tackle them.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Anyone who works in a creative field inevitably gets them. Since taking up photography for the third time in my life, that often comes in the form of flashes of self-doubt—waking up and thinking, “What on earth am I doing?” Yet those inklings are what keep me on my toes and moving forward. Resolving it might be in the form of a dose of affirmation: framing and hanging an older piece I can be proud of, and see the finished result of hard work. Other times it's getting out and seeing something new. This doesn't have to be traveling to an exotic locale, but perhaps visiting a part of town I haven't viewed through a camera lens.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
As a Northwesterner, it's hard not to say coffee—and I'm a huge fan of our independent roaster scene, which makes up for my deficiencies trying to roast my own. There are probably five or so coffeehouses within a few blocks of my home that make for a nice workspace when I need a little sunlight. Aside from that, my own two feet. My undergraduate professor forbade us from using zoom and long-focal-length lenses, imploring us to explore our subject more viscerally. With longer distances, you never know what you'll find along the way. On occasion I've taken that to the logical extreme, having once walked 10 miles across town to photograph a radio tower from different vantages!
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
Like I mentioned, I've usually got a few projects simmering, but lately I've been interested in pushing photography to its extreme with highly abstract architecture, landscapes and macro-photography, the latter a more recent interest. However, because I’m a native Seattleite and work in the historic preservation community outside of photography, my work has taken me to document the city's rapidly disappearing architectural fabric, a subject rich in different representational opportunities.
8. What “fad” gadget do you most regret purchasing?
It's hard to say, but likely lenses that are at the extreme—fisheye and very long-focus lenses. They look very impressive on the camera and can add interest on a shoot when used sparingly, but more often than not, they take up too much bag and closet space. There's plenty of rental houses out there these days that let you play to your heart's content without spending several figures.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight
Having worked in the music and medical journalism fields, Ian Macleod has had his photographs featured in The Boston Globe, The Tacoma News Tribune and even a few album covers. These days, this Seattleite is focused on documenting the city’s fast-changing architecture. He sees the urban landscape as a “cinematic experience” that, through photography, is […]
We all have those photos we wish we could print off our phone, computer or camera and display proudly. Printing your photos in black and white is a timeless, elegant choice. However, creative framing ideas for black and white photos can be difficult to find.
Should you choose a frame or mat that adds a pop of color? What if you’re hanging your photos within an existing collage in a hallway or down the staircase, or adding them to a display shelf with other photos?
Framing black and white art doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be a lot of fun! Below, we’re sharing our favorite framing ideas for black and white photos.
Keep it classic
If you’re interested in a timeless color palette, choose a black picture frame with a white or off-white mat. A light-colored neutral mat with a strong black frame can be a bold statement that draws attention to your beloved art.
The classic silver picture frame is a great way to accentuate the variety of tones in your black and white photos. A light-colored neutral mat surrounded by the elegance and shine of a silver frame can add light and joy to a room.
For something darker, try a stormy grey or charcoal mat. In our Crescent Select 4Ply mat you’ll find dozens of darker tones to choose from such as Cloudburst, Steel Drum, Dark Shale and After Dark.
If you’re looking to set a particular mood with your black and white photos, this may be a good bridge between traditional design and a more custom choice but still a classic look.
With this classic frame style, you can easily create a display showcasing all your favorite family memories or black and white art. Select matching frames and arrange them in a grid—or shake things up with mismatching sizes artistically splashed across a wall.
Because all the frames are neutral, you’ll have more flexibility in shape and location for your gallery. It’s your space, so be as creative as your heart desires!
Tie it in with your existing decor
When you’re looking for framing inspiration for your black and white photos, don’t forget to look around your home or space. Notice your current decor (shelves, art, knick-knacks, etc.) What themes do you see? Are there certain colors, styles, or materials you really love?
Since frames come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles it's generally easy to find ones that complement your home or family's style. For example, if your home has a more rustic feel, try a distressed metal or wood frame with a small mat or no mat. Or if your home features shelves or accents of a certain color or wood finish, as seen in the photo above, opt to match or complement them. Our Wood Frame Profile 502A in honey maple is featured in the photo above.
Our Find-A-Frame section features white picture frames that can be filtered by size and paired with either glass or acrylic glazing. If your home is more modern, try a polished metal frame with a large, off-center mat.
Our Build-A-Frame section features metal frame profiles that can be customized to any size with additional options such as double or even triple mats and non glare or UV filtered glazing.
Additionally, look where you would like to display your black and white photos. Will your wedding photos rest on a display shelf above your bed? Will pictures of your family vacation line a hallway with memories and smiles?
Go to the area where you plan to display your photos and draw inspiration from the existing decor in that room. Framing black and white art to match your home is simple: just look around!
Add a pop of color
Often, people want to offset their black and white photos with a pop of color. This can be done with a brightly colored frame such as the Nielsen Profile 117V metal frame or with over 100 hues in our mat board category. If you’re looking for more subdued tones, try the textured Bruxelles, In A Fog, or Sushi in our Crescent Select 4Ply mat. These are perfect colors for a room that already uses a neutral or light palette. In the photo above, our Crescent Select 4Ply Mat in the color 9567 - Cotton Candy is featured.
Feeling bold? Try these Crescent Select colors: Red Hot, NYPD Blue, Pickle or Mandarin. Safron, Bay Blue, and Carnelian in our Papermat 4Ply mat offer deep hues in a non-conservation option. Or choose from ten different metallic colored mats in our metallic collection. These bright colored mats work well in a room with other bold elements, like contrasting black-and-white furniture, large decorative lamps, or feature art.
Final Thoughts on Framing Black and White Art
Whatever style or mood you’re looking for, there’s a frame and mat to match—so don’t stuff your memories into a folder on your phone or computer or hide your work in a digital portfolio. With these framing ideas for black and white photos, you can turn your favorite moments or works of art into a beautiful display that will be cherished for years to come. For more inspiration for the home, visit these tips from Professional Artist and Frame Destination owner, Joely Rogers, on the Top 4 Interior Design Styles and Frames That Fit Right In.
Extras: Examples From Professional Artists & How to Create the Look
Our amazing customers offer examples of how they've chosen to feature their black and white photography, plus other examples of how to get creative with materials when showcasing art.
Professional Jim LaSala says this about his framed black and white fine art photography shown above, "A big thank you to Frame Destination for their great products and professionalism. The shopping experience is easy to understand and use. The finished product is one that I am proud to hang on my wall as well as delivering them to my clients. Packages are well packed and complete. It’s a pleasure to know that Frame Destination is there to help take my images to a higher level. The combination of Moab by Legion Paper along with these frames is a sure winner."
Create this look with Wood Frame Profile 852, Bainbridge 4Ply AlphaMat in Spanish White or Crescent Select 4Ply in White Glove, and UV/Non Glare Acrylic or UV/Anti-Reflective ArtGlass.
Photographer Bobby Baker masterfully captures the lines, patterns, and natural beauty of Cape Cod through stunning black-and-white imagery, as well as in vivid color. His dramatic “Fenced In” photograph above is custom framed in a White Wood Frame Profile S24.
Photographer Joshua McCann used old windows he had refurbished to serve as frames for his art during a recent show along with dark mats to dramatically showcase his black and white photography.
Create this look with Crescent Select 4Ply in Jet Black and UV/Non Glare Acrylic or UV/Anti-Reflective ArtGlass.
Frame Destination customer Paul Tipton went with the classic ornate option which is a great example of how to accentuate the variety of tones in your black and white photos. This ornate Wood Frame Profile 200 comes in Silver, Gold, and Burnt Gold.
Frame Destination customer Chuck Smith created this extraordinary 8ft x 12ft Art Wall and chose to complement the sleek dark lines of his decor and other accessories in the room with a selection of simple black frames in various widths. This look can be achieved with either wood or metal frames from our Find-A-Frame black frames collection.
We all have those photos we wish we could print off our phone, computer or camera and display proudly. Printing your photos in black and white is a timeless, elegant choice. However, creative framing ideas for black and white photos can be difficult to find. Should you choose a frame or mat that adds a […]
Challenging times often make it hard to stay positive or even remotely sane. When we find ourselves struggling with uncertain times or with a little extra time on our hands, it just might be the perfect time to do something creative. Here are a few tips for our families at home from work or with children home from school.
Did you know you could visit museums virtually? Yep, visit this site for a list of museums offering virtual tours.
Have a creative teen at home? Many organizations such as the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, offer free online classes in everything from photography to fashion design. And Artsy provides a list of other free art classes available through established universities.
We've also listed a few of our popular blogs below that feature craft and DIY projects to pass the time, stay positive and bring the family together.
Five Craft Projects You Can Do With Mat Board and Other Framing Supplies
Getting Crafty and Creative with Picture Frames
Turn Any Frame Into a Photo Collage
Challenging times often make it hard to stay positive or even remotely sane. When we find ourselves struggling with uncertain times or with a little extra time on our hands, it just might be the perfect time to do something creative. Here are a few tips for our families at home from work or with children […]
Though many galleries and museums are now offering online viewing, as artists ourselves, we understand how deeply a cancelled art exhibition or show can affect an artist's livelihood and ability to provide for their family.
I have put together a list of organizations, some I've personally participated in, that offer online options for artist exhibitions and competitions. Some may require an entry fee, but many offer prizes and a platform to continue your craft. If you know of others, please share in the comments. This creative community is vast and wonderful, and we're all in this together.
Online Art Exhibitions
Fusion Art - monthly themed online art competitions
J. Mane Gallery - monthly themed online art competitions and exhibitions
Photo Contest Guru - all photography contests website
Light Space Time - monthly themed online art competitions
Other Opportunities for Work
The Contemporary Art Gallery Online hosts artists' galleries and will ship prints of their work. If you don't have a website of your own, this is a possible alternative to promote and sell your work here.
Submittable is a great free tool for finding creative work and calls for artists in general.
If you are looking for a stay-at-home side gig right now, check out Virtual Vocations.
I've used Submittable for art calls, and got two offers from Virtual Vocations last year, so I know they are legit.
Other Opportunities to Advance Your Craft
This might be the perfect time to do something for yourself or your work that you've just not been able to fit into your schedule previously. Whether it be to take a free class, advance your craft, sign up for discounts, or stay involved digitally with the creative community, it's always a good idea to do something for yourself that's long overdue. See my tips on how to take advantage of focused 'me' time and stay connected to the creative community.
Though many galleries and museums are now offering online viewing, as artists ourselves, we understand how deeply a cancelled art exhibition or show can affect an artist’s livelihood and ability to provide for their family. I have put together a list of organizations, some I’ve personally participated in, that offer online options for artist exhibitions […]