Finding the right frame doesn't have to be hard.
Galleries are designed to sell art, and they do so by choosing art that fits a particular style the gallery is aiming for, such as "edgy" or "contemporary" or "modern." Part of what sells a piece is the frame, which is used to present a piece in the best possible light and give it a finished look, which may help a piece sell faster. Most large galleries will frame the art themselves (or have it framed) so as to have a sleek, cohesive look to the showroom. But when you work with small galleries or on your own, you will be expected to provide your own.
Sleek and Simple
Many galleries go for a very basic dark wood or black frame. They can be a sort of box with a small space between the stretched canvas and the frame, which can be as little as a quarter-inch thick to several inches thick, or they may be a simple, plain, flat frame tight against canvas board. These types of frames are mainly used to add to a piece, either by helping it look done or by giving solidity to the piece, such as in a large, delicate experimental look.
Ornate and Startling
A style that is gaining popularity is the recycling or recreation of baroque-style frames painted in shocking colors such as oranges, neons or even red. Sometimes new versions are made out of plastic. These frames work well with fantasy and pop art, among other styles. They tend to overwhelm paler shades, so it is best to use them with bright colors that can hold their own without competing against the frame. Another possibility would be to make a frame out of recycled materials and turn the frame into an extension of the piece itself.
No Frame
Although the concept of not using any frame has been around for a while, it has only currently become widespread. Some works are intriguing because of how seemingly ephemeral they are. Once they are framed, that sensation is gone. There are a number of ways to mount a piece to the wall without damaging it or using a frame, but the easiest methods seem to be incorporated into the piece itself--adding a hook for hanging on the back, or rings to loop fishing wire through.
