Determine the dominant color of the piece.
How to choose a mat colora for photos.
And mats can help to accent colors in the framed image or draw in other colors for contrast.
How to analyze your picture to be framed and choose complimentary matte colors.
The third rule is.
If an image has a strong element that is receding such as the river sweeping off into the distance in sisley s road to hampton court a darker mat perhaps one that ties into the dark green of the trees along the bank in the background helps to enhance it.
Tips for choosing the best mat color.
If using a dark mat its color must be one tone lighter than the darkest color on the photo.
Darker color as the bottom mat reveal.
Determine the secondary colors.
Cool and warm tones.
Black cores create a well defined black outline and visually sets the photograph apart from the white mat.
Black mats with a white core can add a little more drama to a photograph.
2 colors passe partout tests.
With a piece that is dark you will want to go with a darker mat color for the top mat and vice versa.
Learn this and more in this free online photography video about framing taught by expert minnie bell.
Neutrals for matching decor.
Many different whites.
Picture mats also give your photos painting or drawings a professional look even if they weren t made by a professional.
If you choose this method the eye of the viewer will be drawn to the art.
If you don t like the color of your picture mat or you have a boring mat jazz it up with some acrylic craft paint.
It is possible and sometimes giving a good result to mount with 2 passe partout.
The color of a light mat should be a tone darker than the lightest color of the image.
Purpose the first goal in designing for matting and framing is to satisfy the person you are framing for which means that if your customer wants the framed piece to blend well with existing room décor you must factor that into your design.
Purpose balance value temperature and theme.
Using a colored mat is a good way to attract attention to important segments of a photograph.
Generally darker colors in the framing will help enhance a receding perspective in the composition.
To make it easier consider five areas as you choose.
Choose for the mat color a secondary color but try it before.
The software analyzes this photo and gives you the list of colors in the photo.