Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Sep 12, 2007 05:09pm | #1

   It's hard to make a recommendation without seeing the actual picture. Spalted maple is something that could work with a watercolor:

   View Image

   -Steve

    

1. 
   hsuperdupe | Sep 13, 2007 05:52pm | #4

   steve

           Thanks for the idea, I think i will check that wood out at my local supplier.

                                                                                            Thanks Tim

2. 
   forestgirl | Sep 12, 2007 07:02pm | #2

   Unique means "one of a kind."  I would guess that a highly figured wood (or spalted) might approach the definition.  The other option would be to laminate, creating your own unique wood.  There is no such thing as "somewhat unique" <insert grin/wink>, "very unique" etc., regardless of what you hear stated in commercials and newscasts.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
3. 
   colebearanimals | Sep 12, 2007 11:47pm | #3

   Hi Tim,

                You might think about using a material that  compliments the painting rather than something unique just for unique's sake. Subject matter, colors used, size can all have an effect on frame choice.

                Take the painting to your local hardwood supplier and hold it up to different species. That should be a good starting point. To get it right can often get quiet involved.   Good luck

                                                       Paul

4. 
   Pondfish | Sep 14, 2007 02:00pm | #5

   Since the frame can add or detract from a painting, it is difficult to recommend a wood without knowing anything about the painting's color or texture.  I have a delicate watercolor of a vase of daffodils on a white tablecloth, where the frame is elm burl.  It looks good for this painting, but I wouldn't use this frame for an impressionistic landscape I have that is all dark blues and greens...

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
5. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 14, 2007 04:15pm | #6

   I like Forestgirl comment ..
   The other option would be to laminate, creating your own unique wood.

   I am not a artist (I have nothing in that side of my brain and little on the other side so I will try anything at least once) so I cannot comment on what to do.

   However, I laminate different woods together in various width strips to make up a board. Colors, width, types of wood all depend on my idea at the time. You can get some really nice AND terrible looking sticks to work with.

   For a test of this idea get some nice clear poplar (clear on at least one side) and stain the strips in the colors you want. Let them dry and apply your favorite finish over the stained surface. Then just clamp them together to see approximately what it will look like.

   I only mention poplar because it is not very expensive and is easy to cut. If it were me I'd even try to stain the wood using some artist colors that match or compliment the colors in the painting.

   Just a old mans thoughts. Sounds like it may be FUN!..