Using colour when framing

This is a simply delightful framing job that I recently finished for a simply delightful client!

It's so wonderful when clients trust my colour sense, as through us both working as a team, magic may well result! The results here are wonderful.

Pictured are two works by Canberra design label Schmooks. Claire of Schmooks work is so delicate, playful and intricate, we chose to keep the frames consistent, in a creamy white box frame and to vary the matt colurs, so that each one was separate yet linked together as a whole.

For the pink image we chose a dusty pink outer matt and a warm white inner matt, to tone with the pink in the image and help it to stand out. The other Schmooks print pictured has a background of blue and so we chose to leave the blue alone in the framing and selected very soft matts of warm white outer and salmon pink inner to keep the image soft. These works, although different in colour can now hang happily as a set, linked by their frames.

The other image pictured showed how a childs art can be absolutely elevated with clever framing! A striking child's art piece image in red and purple, was given a fun twist by choosing a red inner matt with a creamy white outer matt and then framing the piece in a funky purple frame- the resulting colour just sings!

Buy Claire's work here

New prints in stock by 'Schmooks'!

We have some gorgeous framed prints in stock, by Illustrator Claire Cimbora of Schmooks. Buy unframed prints here

We asked Claire some questions about her lovely work;

What inspires you in your work?

'Much of my inspiration comes from my little son. I find his innocence both enchanting and fascinating. I sit and watch him talk with his teddy bears and send rockets to the moon while in his imaginary play-land.

I also think there is a deep connection between my work and the happy memories of my own childhood.'


What does your work mean to you?

'Sweet innocence. Playful curiosity. Inquisitive charm. A touch of mischief and light-hearted fun. Enchanting scenarios and endless adventure.

Each illustration has its own story, adding another layer to the work. It also provides the viewer with a more intimate connection to the work.'


How long have you been making art, where do you want to take it in the future?

'I have been illustrating all my life really. From a young age I was always encouraged to be creative and had a strong passion for art. About two years ago I was asked to illustrate a book, it wasn’t until then that I started to take illustrating seriously.
I began with cards, creating personalised gifts for friends and family. From this I developed a series of playful artworks, which are now part of my Schmooks collection.

Schmooks itself is a work in progress. I have been lucky enough to have several stores in Australia stock my work and I would like to extend this overseas at some point. I am looking at working on a series of childrens books in the near future as well as collaborating with a children’s author at the end of this year. The beginning of next year I am looking at exhibiting my work internationally.'

If you are looking for an original gift, or would like to support local talent, come and browse Claire's work framed at Rarified.