I ordered 2 Mondrian prints, each was supposed to be framed in a Metropolitan frame. One came in the correct frame and the other didn't, even though the packing slip said it was. Short version is, I had to provide a picture of the print in the wrong frame and tell them whether I wanted a replacement or refund. I chose a replacement since they were to be a grouping (and the red trim in the frame complemented the colors in the prints so well), and then got an email saying that they were out of stock on "certain components of the item" and couldn't guarantee shipment for another week, and to let them know whether I wanted to wait or cancel. I chose to wait. We'll see what happens next. My advice is, if you're ordering multiple items, don't assume they'll all be what you want, or that you'll get a replacement very soon when they aren't.

"For some reason, I feel they make look unfinished, I guess because there is no frame." So frame them! I've seen them displayed both framed and unframed. I assume it's the type that is canvas stretched over a wooden or plastic frame or glued to a Masonite-type backing that's bothering you? I've seen them displayed unframed with the intent that the customer will frame them after purchase, just like prints are often displayed mounted but unframed. Personally, I do not always agree with the choice of frame on pre-framed items, so often I would prefer to purchase things unframed. (Besides, I can usually frame them myself much more cheaply.) Giclees are also printed on paper - it's a particular peeve of mine to see giclees of works that would have originally been on paper or board (smooth surface) printed on canvas, because the texture can do seriously weird things to the image.

I prefer original works, but many of my originals are original prints and lithographs. A fine antique print can be very valuable and expensive (a Besler botanical can run anywhere from $2500-10,000 depending on rarity - unframed!), or can be quite affordable (Curtis botanicals and Cassell's poultry prints). Original prints are very good value compared to oils and watercolors. But I have some of those, too - some by local artists on the Vineyard. I've only bought a reproduction prints once and it was with great reluctance. My late husband had seen an oil painting by well known coastal artist, Ray Ellis. It was gorgeous - had the Edgartown Yacht Club in it as well as the light house. It was $40,000 so that was NOT going to be ours. A year later, a limited edition of signed giclee version became available - it was $750 unframed. My husband (a total non-materialist) wanted this print. He was dying and we ordered it. It came in several months later and went to be framed immediately. A few weeks later, he was in the hospital dying. Called the frame shop, they did a rush order and a friend picked it up and amazingly, hospital maintenance hung it at 5PM on a Friday! He died on Sunday night, but loved looking at his picture and all the memories it held for him. I had it over the bed in our bedroom for a few years but I just never really liked the fact that it was a giclee - it just looked very fake. I gave it to my son and he has it in his apt over his sofa - looks great there. I replaced it with an antique oil painting of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that had belonged to the grand dame of the Cavalier Club - her family did not want it and I got it for a song. It looks much better than the giclee print. Collecting art is something that takes a lifetime. A local antique print dealer once told me that one need NEVER apologize for a blank wall - the right art will finally appear and one will buy it. In the meantime, no cheap "place holders". She was right and still is right.

These are beautiful. I didn't read enough of the thread but if you haven't, check out the rules. Photos that are exhibited at a country fair I help out with all have to be a certain size (can be landscape or portrait) and are unframed but often matted (with whatever color works best with the photo). Everything is different depending on where you exhibit. I'd suggest a matte finish but not on canvas.