To Matte or Not To Matte

Remember when I talked about trades or bartering?

I have this fabulous trade with the owners of the State of the Arts Gallery in Olympia, Washington. I get to watch the gallery when they are gone, and in trade, I have learned how to matte my watercolor paintings, use all the equipment, and receive materials at cost. FANTASTIC DEAL!

Now the question is why matte?

When you take a piece of art and put a border (matte) around it the picture stands out. It relates the importance of the art and defines it in space. The framing of the art with just a matte can make all the difference in the world. It separates the art from the clutter of life and brings it to a different level.

When I worked in the schools as a counselor, I would keep various mattes handy. When a child finished a drawing or painting, I immediately put a matte on it. A big smile formed on the child's face, and a definite rise in self-esteem.

For my watercolor paintings I have chosen a white pebble matte with an inner matte of charcoal gray. Because I am a color freak, I want the colors in my watercolor paintings to read brightly which only occurs when placed next to white. Since I usually paint on a half sheet of watercolor paper, I matte my paintings to a standard size (18" X 24") so patrons can easily purchase frames. It also makes showing my art a bit simplified as I can interchange paintings since they are all uniformly sized.

When the sun decides to shine again soon here in Washington, I will post an example of one of my paintings with and without a matte. You can see the difference and decide for yourself.

Trades for Art

Most of you know the barter system, right?

I believe it first began eons ago with our ancestors. People traded services for produce and there was no money exchange. Some people would like to see this form of exchange of goods re-established. How do you feel about that?

Artists seem to be prone to bartering. Some people think art is a luxury item and not usually affordable. Art creation not only enriches the soul, but it also enhances the lives of those who come in contact with the piece of art. It is great to see people who love our art get the opportunity to live with one of our art pieces.

Today I am in the process of bartering with a friend for massage treatments. Double treat for me. I will receive serveral massages while viewing my watercolor painting in the environment in which it was selected to enhance.

Have you bartered for something outrageous? Please share!