ABOUT FRAMING AND PRICING
Barbara Bellows uses little or no fixative. To protect the paintings, her pastel paintings are sold either double-matted or with spacers and framed with regular glass or museum glass.
Mats: Barbara uses reverse-cut double mats to keep any stray pastel dust from being caught between mat and glass, usually with the top mat light-colored. She uses acid-free, buffered matboard. Occasionally to avoid the "matted look", she replaces the mats with spacers. Both methods keep the artwork from touching the glass.
Glass: Old pastels were notoriously fugitive. Modern pastels are quite color-fast and are probably protected well with regular glass. Plexiglas® is never an option, as the static electricity attracts pastel dust to its surface. However, on some work the artist has opted to use museum glass. Museum glass not only protects the work from possible UV damage, but, equally important, provides a non-glare surface almost making the glass disappear. This is especially important with larger pieces placed in a well-lit room. There is a higher cost for this feature and is reflected in the price listed.
Frames: Usual frames are natural maple, silver- or gold-colored wood and black metal. The frames and light-colored mats are chosen to complement the paintings.
Prices: The artwork is priced by size of the image and cost of framing. Retail prices are consistent, regardless of where the paintings are sold. Since the artist respects the rights of galleries, please let her know when purchasing where you first saw the painting. Price increases occur on April 15th of each year, and will be posted here in advance.
Payment may be made with cash or checks. Artwork may be shipped for the actual cost of shipping.