<![CDATA[PATRIZIA K INGRAM - Full Version]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 15:08:23 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[How to frame - the ultimate framing guide of art prints]]>Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.patriziakingramart.com/the-everyday-life-of-a-working-artist-mom-and-military-spouse/how-to-frame-the-ultimate-framing-guide-of-art-prints
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​My customers always ask me “How would you frame this?" 
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So I thought I'd share a few tips on framing prints based on my personal experience as a framer and print maker.

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First, be your own custom framer, it’s easier than you think!

Getting anything framed and up on your wall can be hard, confusing and expensive. You're either out hunting for a decent quality frame in just the right size for days, or paying 10 times the cost of the art itself and waiting weeks with a custom frame shop, which, in many cases, will cost more than the print itself. 

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So what I recommend doing is following couple simple steps to frame quickly, cheaply and easily:


1.   Size

It's much easier to find a great and ready-made frame if your artwork fits a standard size frame. This is yet another reason why all my work is done is standard American sizes. 

If you are looking for a ready drop in frame, local stores like Target or Michael’s will provide a wide selection. IKEA is also a great choices but sometimes they have European size frames which wont fit your American print so be careful


2.   Mat Window

Using mat windows strategically is my ultimate framing trick. Mats can accomplish two noteworthy things:

  1. You don't have to find an exact-size frame to fit your artwork. This is especially helpful if you purchased a print that isn't a standard size. All you need to do is buy a frame in the next size (or two) up, then cut a mat board to fit the frame, with a window to showcase the art.
  2. Mats create visual space for the artwork to breathe. Instead of the artwork jutting right up to the frame, a mat provides a border of whitespace.

Your mat board can be any color of the rainbow. The key is to find something that helps the art stand out without being too distracting itself. Personally, I always stick with a bright white mat on archival board. (Choosing archival means that the white won't fade to grey or yellow as time passes.)

Any framing store will be able to cut a mat for you. All you need to do is tell them your frame size, your artwork size, and your preferred mat board color. Be sure to leave a quarter inch of extra inch on each side so that the art print doesn't just fall through the window. (For example: if the art print measures 8x10", the actual mat opening should be 7.5x9.5")

In terms of art preservation, it is better for a work on paper to be framed with a mat. The mat not only gives the piece more visual presence, but it keeps the artwork itself from touching the glass on the frame, which better protects the art


3.   Style

The style of your frame can make just as much of a statement as the artwork itself. I prefer to match the frame with the artwork, not your living room. The couch or the curtains will be updated or replaced but the art piece is not going to change. So if you purchased a whale, pick a frame that represents the ocean, whether it is blue or the wood looks like it came out of a ship wreck, the frame will make the print shine and they will balance each other. If you're unsure, I recommend choosing a no-fuss flat frame in either  white or neutral color. Black is often too harsh. The right frame draws attention to the artwork rather than the frame and it allows for a clean and modern aesthetic.
Be sure to leave a quarter inch of extra inch on each side so that the art print doesn't just fall through the window. ​

If you purchased  5 x 7" art print, then I recommend  8 x 10" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening: 8" x 10"
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Mat size (outer): 8" x 10"
Mat window (inner): 4.75" x 6.75"
 


If you purchased 8 x 10" art print, then I recommend 11 x 14" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening: 11" x 14"
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Mat size (outer): 11" x 14"
Mat window (inner): 7.5" x 9.5"

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​If you purchased a 11 x 15" art print, then I recommend a 16 x 20" frame with a mat.* * S I Z I N G    I N F O * *
Frame opening (outer): 16" x 20"
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Mat size: 16" x 20"
Mat window (inner): 10.5" x 14.5"
 

Regardless of how you frame your art, always make sure you are using archival-quality materials; that means looking for acid-free backings, papers, and mats, which will keep the delicate paper from aging too quickly.
Choosing archival means that the white won't fade to grey or yellow as time passes
Art on paper should always be hung out of direct sunlight (which can break down the paper and bleach the pigments) and away from moisture (which can cause mildew or mold or even make the art stick to the frame or glass itself, causing irreparable damage).
Frame Size                            Mat Opening                                   Image Size

8" x 10"                                     4.5" x 6.5"                                         5" x 7"
 11" x 14"                                      7.5" x 9.5"                                          8" x 10"
16" x 20"                                   10.5" x 13.5"                                        11" x 14"
 20" x 24"                                   15.5" x 19.5"                                       16" x 20"
  24" x 36"                                   19.5" x 29.5"                                     20" x 30"



Happy Framing!
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]]><![CDATA[Merry Christmas- How not to make your christmas PRESENTS suck]]>Fri, 13 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.patriziakingramart.com/the-everyday-life-of-a-working-artist-mom-and-military-spouse/merry-christmas-how-not-to-make-your-christmas-presents-suck
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Every year  you are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas present. Every year you feel like you have not done enough. I mean, did they really like it or were they just nice? You wonder "Did I spend enough money/time/energy researching that perfect thing?" 

We all want our Christmas to be perfect. But really, the buying for buying sake doesn't matter at all. What really matters is how much thoughts you have given to please the loved person. It's not about the size or the price, it's about how well you know that loved one  to give him/her something that truly reflects who they are. 

At this point, since this is an art blog, let's talk about giving the gift of art.(However what I am saying here can be applied to pretty much everything).

​ Important question arises : 

Why should you buy art from a real artist vs mass produced art from stores like Target or Michaels?
 
Let’s say you have a problem: you need a Christmas present, or your walls are empty and you need to fill them, or your significant other has a birthday and you need a gift, maybe it’s your parents’ anniversary or you need a gift for a dear friend. You need a present and since you are feeling artsy today, you want to gift something artistic, maybe a painting. Target is known for having super cool and cute stuff as home décor so you head out there. You look and you find a cute painting you can gift and it’s only $30. Maybe you have a coupon, maybe it’s on sale, score! 
 
Now why should you not buy it but order instead a custom commission? Aren’t commissions more expensive?  Most likely so (also depends on the artist, mine start at $35)
 
The difference between mass produced commercial art and art made by a real person – aka the artist, is that even though the commercial art is cute, probably cheap or cheaper than custom art, it is an empty shell, it has no soul. It was mass produced somewhere in China or India and it has absolutely no meaning behind it other than filling a space on your wall. In couple years when you move or remodel your house, you will toss it out because it will look dated or not match your new curtains. 
 
When you order custom commission from a real artist, you are not only getting something that is unique, very special and one of a kind, custom made just for you, but also a piece of soul of that artist. It shows that you have given thought to the gift and planned ahead. It is not the first thing you saw at the first store you entered and said to yourself “this will work”. NO, it is not. It shows commitment, thoughtfulness, organization and planning. It tells the person that will received it that you have planned this months in advance, did some research, find an artist they will like and that you really care about him/her. 

When you order custom commission of a house for example, chances are your children (that you don’t even have yet) will still have that paining and one day show it to their children saying “this is where I grew up”, or “this is nanna’s house”, or something like this “This is where I used to go every Sunday to eat lunch with my grandparents before grandma died” or “this is where I spend my summers learning how to bike with my grandpa” or “this is the beach house/mountain house we used to go every summer for family retreats”.
Art like that speaks volume, it has meaning. It has history, it shows you care about the family and its history. It shows you know where you came from.
 
Going back to original problem, your partner has a birthday and you need a gift. You can give them a cool print of a motorcycle or a dragon, or you can give them print of an Eifert Tower or some bride in Venice, or you can give them a painting of their childhood home where they have the best memories from childhood, after that they went to college, something happened and the house got sold and they never lived there again. 

Ask yourself, which one has more meaning?


In summary, if you dont want your Christmas presents to suck, you need to put in the time, effort and energy into it. Theres no way around it. You can't just throw money at the present thinking if its expensive it will do the trick. It simply needs to come from the heart and touch the loved ones' heart. 
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You know what to do now, make it best Christmas yet!
 
It's not about the size or the price, it's about how well you know that loved one  to give him/her something that truly reflects who they are. ​
the buying for buying sake doesn't matter at all. What really matters is how much thoughts you have given to please the loved person.

    DON't miss out !

It tells the person that will received it that you have planned this months in advance, did some research, find an artist they will like and that you really care about him/her.
“this is where I grew up”, or “this is nanna’s house”


Merry Christmas and happy new year!
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]]><![CDATA[Thanksgiving-Let me give thanks!]]>Wed, 27 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.patriziakingramart.com/the-everyday-life-of-a-working-artist-mom-and-military-spouse/thanksgiving-let-me-give-thanks
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​There is an amazing power in gratitude that helps your mental help and well being. Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth.

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Life is busy, we all have stuff to do- this is why I encourage you to take a moment and think about all the wonderful things in your life. 

Once I saw a sign at a local yoga studio that said "Meditate every day for 10 minutes unless you have to time, then do it for 20". That's hilarious but also true. In your busy 
schedule find a moment to see all the good things in your life and appreciate all the people who care about you. Small gestures like that really matter. 

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7 Things I am grateful for:


  • I am grateful for being an artist, despite its ups and downs, this profession is still the joy and passion of my life. 
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  • I am grateful for my family and friends who continue to support and encourage me on a daily basis. Without them this journey would have been very lonely.

  • I am grateful for my followers, clients and collectors. I am humbled by the trust they put in me and their ongoing support.

  • I am grateful to immerse myself in nature and study it for painting purposes. It soothes my soul and has always been a great source of inspiration. 

  • I am grateful for the creativity and flexibility I experienced in my job. There are some professions out there that encourage creativity. 

  • I am grateful for Social Media like Facebook or Instagram as well as my email and website. Without that I would not be able to communicate with all my friends/ followers. Given the Army life I move every three years and the internet is the only thing that allows me to keep in touch.

  • I am grateful for my experiences, situations and people I met on my path- it all made me the person I am today. 

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"Doris Lee, Thanksgiving" 1935
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- one of my favorite Thanksgiving paintings


Lee, one of the most successful female painters from Depression era, managed to capture in this work the most ubiquitous Thanksgiving Day experience imaginable—a kitchen in chaos. The artist’s exaggerated style was condemned when the painting was first shown, but the hustle and bustle—and underfoot pets seeking scraps—hardly seems overstated based on our first-hand experience
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Be thankful 

It is so easy to drown yourself in the to-do list- I know, I am a mother and a wife. So I really want to encourage you to take a minute for yourself, maybe even delegate some tasks (I know, I’m talking crazy here 😁) and think about all the wonderful things you have been blessed with. 

  • Be thankful for your health- even if it’s not the best, you are still alive. So many of our loved ones have passed away. 

  • Be thankful for your finances- you might not have much but it’s more than some people. In the 2008, the poverty line was set at $1.25 per day. If you have more than than you are blessed. 

  • Be thankful for your family, even if they drive you crazy sometimes. There are so many lonely people out there not celebrating at all. 

  • Be thankful for your freedom- so many people still suffer politically and physically bc of their believes. Sadly, human trafficking still exists 😢

  • Be thankful for your food- some people will go to bed hungry tonight. 

  • Be thankful for that place your are and the people you meet every day- those experiences shape you into the person you are today
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                                          Happy thanksgiving 🦃!🦃


Have you ever used a thank you card? Or even better, have you made one?



I believe that Thanksgiving is a great time to use one. You can write everything you’re thankful for and give it to the person who helped you with all this. You can write one for each person: your mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, etc.
Now, you can, of course, buy your cards and just write on them. But you could also make them from scratch instead of buying them. They’ll be all the more valuable to the recipients.

If there's no time to make one, consider getting one from my store.


Foldable Note Cards Value Pack of 5 Yellow Daffodil

$14.00

Pack of 5 foldable notecards with envelopes, one pack is one design
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]]><![CDATA[THE ARTIST'S SUCCESS PLAN FOR MOVING- MILITARY SPOUSE EDITION]]>Mon, 07 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.patriziakingramart.com/the-everyday-life-of-a-working-artist-mom-and-military-spouse/the-artists-success-plan-for-moving-military-spouse-edition
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The biggest and best opportunities I have ever had, have happened because we are a military family. The biggest steps of growth came from those painful times of leaving behind things I loved. Leaving the life you have established for yourself, leaving your fans and customers, leaving everything that is familiar- it is a painful process full of tears and heartache but I encourage you to change your attitude about it (as hard as it is) and view it as an opportunity.

Yes, it is hard, yes, your kids are crying and missing their friends, yes, you miss your own galls too. It is so hard to find people you really click and it is even harder to leave them behind and start the emotional roller-coaster of friendship again.

But, military moves force to experience and explore new areas, new people and new opportunities, especially when it comes to art. The good news- art is everywhere. The bad news- you might not like it or have hard time finding your voice among the already established artists. It’s ok, you can handle it. By far the most essential skill is adaptability in this business and guess what? You already have it!
 
There are couple ways to approach PCS season (Permanent Change of Status for my civilian friends):

1. Be positive!
Keep positive attitude (that one is the hardest because it is so vague). What it really means is try to find positive things in every circumstance and stay positive even when everything seems gloomy. Your kids are looking at you and they will adopt your attitude. If you are gloomy, they will become gloomy which will make the situation even worse. So smile, even if you feel like crap on the inside. You are the strength pillar of the family, not your husband- common misconception, I know…. You are strong, smart and resourceful, after all, you are a military spouse. You would not have lasted that long if you weren’t. 

2. Get Organized
Before you move, go to Dollar Store or Hobby Lobby or any other craft store and get small, packable and movable supplies for little craft projects. Don't buy too much, just 2-3 small projects (1 bag). This will help entertain your kids (not mentioning family time other thank TV) but also help you release the creativity inside you. So what you can’t paint, sculpture or whatever your art is right now?! Doing even a stupid little kid’s project will help you release stress and make you feel accomplished. There is no judgment here and no craft is to small.

3. Use Your Resources!
While you have time, start researching local art scene, art galleries, museums and local art stores. Get yourself familiar with everything that is in your new place and start talking to people. You never know who will help you later. 

4. Connect With Your New Community on Facebook
Lastly, nowadays you never say goodbye to anyone. You will see them on FB/Instagram/social media. Find a great Facebook page for your new duty station. There is always a wealth of information to be found there, and you'll find a handful of folks always ready to answer that next question.  Who knows, maybe even make some friends there. 
 
THE PRACTICAL PART
I always pack my most essential art supplies myself and let the movers handle the rest. I do pack some travel paints for my suitcase so I am always ready to paint. I would not let the movers pack my art supplies randomly, as wonderful as they are... Even if you do trust them completely, you still have to prepare and clean your studio space and get it ready for the move. Otherwise, your trash will be packed as well…
So now, some practical advice on how to pack your art supplies:
 
1. Supplies You’ll Need To Pack Your Artwork For Moving: 
·Sturdy moving boxes, 
·Glassine paper  (Optional, but highly recommended). 
Note: Wax paper/parchment paper are not substitutes for Glassine and could    damage your artwork.
·Bubble wrap – enough to completely wrap all surfaces and edges of each piece of art.
·“Dunnage” – Material used to absorb shock inside the box. 
·Blue painter’s tape (Only necessary if your artwork has glass).
·Flat cardboard sheets – one for each piece of art, cut slightly larger than the area inside the frame.
·Packing tape 
·A permanent marker 
 
2. Make lists.
I male a prioritized list of everything that needs to be done, then I put that written list on my phone because I know I will lose the paper list five min later…. Ether way, make a list of things to do, things to buy, things to give away/throw away,

3. Purge as you go.
Alternately, you can do this before starting to pack. Not only is purging cathartic, but you can make donations or host open studio moving sale. (I do that every time and it really helps with getting rid of stuff and making extra cash)

4. Develop a packing plan or system/ Organize and sort ‘like’ materials.
Whatever your system is, whether it is room to room or section by section, get it all organizes. It will make things much easer when it is time to unpack. Some materials may also have to go into climate-controlled storage. 

5. Label everything 
At the end of the day, it will all be packed up in boxes and all boxes look the same. So don't be shy and label everything. It will really help when you are looking for that one thing on the other end.
By far the most essential skill is adaptability in this business and guess what?  You already have it!
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This is "my system", it might not look neat but I know where everything else and nothing broke (yet)
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9 suitcases, 4 cats, 1 toddler .....
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One suitcase was fully dedicated to art supplies, no mix and match there!
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Be prepared to be overextended...
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Like I said, I do have a system...
The good news- art is everywhere. The bad news- you might not like it or have hard time finding your voice among the already established artists.
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Try to enjoy small moments while you move, God knows you have enough stress already like it is!
Do you have any questions, suggestions or recommendations?
 
Do you like what you are reading here? 
Do you hate it? 
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I am open to feedback day and night 

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This painting was done on the patio of my hotel- no excuse not to paint...
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