The Beauty of Plein Air Frames; A Perfect Match for Outdoor Paintings
Introduction
Understanding what a plein air frame is begins with understanding open air painting. Open air painting or plein air ,a timeless art form, captures the essence of the outdoors directly onto the canvas. This method, requiring artists to paint outside, demands quick, simplified strokes due the ever-changing natural light and conditions.
Complementing these outdoor artworks is the distinctive plein air frame, designed to enhance and protect these creations. In this blog, we explore the nuances of these frames including, their history, and why they are the perfect choice for outdoor paintings. For those seeking high-quality frames, consider Articient's selection of plein air frames.
What is a Plein Air Painting?
Plein air painting, derived from the French term "en plein air," meaning "in the open air," involves creating art outside in the natural environment. Firstly, this style typically features loose, simplified strokes and smaller-sized paintings, often ranging form 6x8 inches to 11x14 inches. Secondly, the limited time frame available to artists results in a bold, impressionistic style that captures the fleeting beauty of nature.
Characteristics of Plein Air Frames
These frames specifically accommodate the unique needs of outdoor paintings. Here are some key characteristics that set them apart:
- Construction: These frames are generally thin and made from lightweight materials. Also, this makes them easy to transport to various outdoor painting locations.
- Durability: Given that outdoor paintings are exposed to the elements, these frames are built to protect the paintings with their wide profile width.
- Design: This frame boasts a simpler, more utilitarian design compared to traditional frames. This minimal approach ensures the frame complements the artwork without overshadowing it.
- Ease of Assembly: Many of these frames are designed for quick and easy assembly, allowing artist to install efficiently. Additionally, they may include clips or points for rapid assembly and disassembly.
The Historical Evolution of Plein Air Frames
The origins of plein air frames begins in the 19th century with the painter and frame maker Hermann Dudley. Moreover, Dudley introduced this design to America, known as the Cassetta style. This style, featured a wide flat panel with raised inner and outer edges, resembling a "little box" in Italian.
Furthermore, Dudley's adaptation of this design became a hallmark or the American Impressionist style. Over time, the Cassetta style evolved in to the plein air frames we see today. Typically, these frames are typically gold or silver, about 2-3 inches wide, and have minimal detail. This simplicity compliments the bold and straightforward style of plein air paintings. For a historical touch, explore Articient's Cassetta-inspired frames.
Plein Air Frames in Contemporary Art
Today, these frames come in varying levels of quality, from discount options to custom framers offering hand-applied gold leaf finishes. Moreover, the highest quality frames feature perfectly joined corner mitres and are proportionally wide relative to the small size of plein air paintings. Therefore, this proportionality ensures the frame enhances the artwork without overwhelming it. Discover Articient premium frames for top-notch quality.
Conclusion
Plein air frames, with their unique blend of durability, simplicity and elegance, are the ideal choice for outdoor paintings. In conclusion, they provide the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that the artwork is both protected and beautifully presented. Whether you are an artist or an art lover, understanding the significance of plein air can enhance your appreciation of this timeless art form.
In the world of outdoor painting, where every brushstroke is a race against time and nature, the right frame makes all the difference. So, next time you admire a "en plein air" painting, take a moment to appreciate the frame that holds it- a silent partner in the artist's creative journey.
Articient Plein Air Frames
For a wide selection of high-quality frames, visit Articient. Additionally, here are some of our most popular plein air frames.
The “Vendue” Wide Panel Gold Frame is a testament to traditional framing methods. Water gilding, a revered technique, is used to apply gold leaf to the wooden frame. This method ensures a rich, lustrous finish that captures the eye. Also, the frame's high back lip adds depth and character, while the black edge provides a striking contrast, enhancing the gold's radiance.
The “Rutledge” Cassetta Black and Gold Frame has a cassetta panel in black with a hint of gold, which gives it an antiqued look. This makes it great for classic art, galleries or mixing old with modern. Also, the frame's smooth, matte finish makes it really stand out.
The “Middleton” champagne frame boasts a panel/cassetta profile, a design inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Also, the Durian substrate used in the frame ensures durability and longevity.
