Framing Pastels
As a general principle, anything painted or drawn on paper should have the protection afforded by glass - if only for the sake of the paper, though most media used in this way need that protection as well. So all of my pencil and coloured pencil portraits must be framed under glass. This can be either reflective or non reflective and a good framer can show you both typs for you to choose.
The glass should not touch the surface of the painting or drawing. This was the original reason for the use of mounts; they created that small space behind the glass. This space should prevent the picture transferring itself to the glass (although all of my work is fixatived), and also ensures that any microscopic condensation on the inside of the glass does not affact the pigments or paper.
Mounts are available in a multitude of colours which can enhance the picture together with a suitable frame. Alternatively, there are various spacers which can be fitted behind the glass but out of sight under the rebate edge of the frame. When you are having your portrait framed you will be able to choose a colour for you mount (or matt in the USA).
You can often have a double mount of two colours, one main colour and a small slither showing of another colour underneath. This can often bring out differnt colours and tones within the portrait itself. Once your portrait is framed, the artwork is safe. It can then be hung anywhere in the home out of direct sunlight. Read my tips on aftercare to find the best place to hang your portrait.
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