I rather like the raggedy edges showing on pieces like this and I would probably leave the green mat or go with something softer but similar. Let the piece "float" on the green mat. Then, lay a creamy mat on top of that (pull the cream from the body), leaving just a bit of the green showing around the edges. Bevel it.

I would agree that wood with a reddish tone would flatter your girl's shadows. That's exactly what I'd do. It will play nicely with the Ball jugs, even though they don't match exactly. Be sure to look at different frame corners against the aqua. The right one will look great...

"I rather like the raggedy edges showing on pieces like this"

I agree. I should have been more precise; I'll leave the raggedy edge, as I too like the floating effect of the watercolor, but that clashy, muddy green has got to go.
From what the daughter told me, the woman had so many lying around she used to periodically gather them up and leave them at a (now defunct) framing shop where he would frame them and hang them for sale on consignment. The green/orange combo was *his* choice, so I don't feel obligated to leave it. There is no cream in the painting itself; it's all shades of red/peach/aqua/blue and lime green. I think (hope) an off white will allow the colors to do all the "talking". That's why I'm unsure about a dark frame, but the alternative would be what? An offwhite frame, or a 'frameless' style mount? Nah, I don't think so. But I'm not sure pulling another color from the painting would work either.

like this

Although the gilded framing style is way too formal for my kitchen, she's lovely caminnc. I like the way that frame is playing the red/gold from the artwork. Are you saying you think a wider frame would be better?

What does the tag say?

What is the color running down her spine? Could you try to pull that for a frame?

Sorry, I didn't realize there was no white or cream in the piece. Crummy computer, I am using. I am glad you want to keep it floating and still think some color or another beneath the main mat would be nice. The truth is, you can't really know for sure until you go to the framer and start to play.

I am wondering what a deep brown/black mat would do for it. I think it would show off the ragged edges, and yet define the artwork. I think the edges of the art would get lost on a cream or white mat. The only way to tell for sure is to try it, I think. As for the frame, if you go with the white/cream mat, you can keep the frame it has. If you go for a rich brown/black, I would be looking for a soft brushed metallic in a coppery tone.

I have to say that I don't see this as a kitchen piece, tho. I would rather see it in a living or family room, or in a bath.

What I'd be doing it it was mine, is to have a sample of the wall paint color with me, and go to the frame store. By playing with various mats and asking the advice of the experts there, I'd come up with a frame and mat there. What makes the painting look best may be something we wouldn't think of; at least that has been my experince.

I also don't see it in a kitchen, but I haven't see your kitchen, where it may be perfect! I see it in a powder room, where there isn't a lot of steam, or a bedroom.

My3dogs has a good point about including the wall color in the process. But here's my caveat...make sure you bring the mat corner home to check the color in your own light. I had to have something done over with a new mat because the blue that looked good with the piece in the store became downright garish at home. ooops...

littledog, this is a drawing that I saw in a home interior store and thought it was quite unique. I love the fact that they put the art between two pieces of glass. I also like the transitional frame. Not too modern and not to traditional. There are probably a hundred different ways you could frame this and have it look good but only a few ways will make it look great. I am an artist so I know this to be a fact. You do need to take it to a frame shop and get some help framing it. You are right, usually when you frame something you pull colors from the art but these colors are a little bright to work with. That is why I like the two panes of glass because it gives it space. I also think a black could work with a silver frame. Maybe a skinny one, you have to take it in. I would not cover up the edges nor would I hang it in your kitchen. If you have this framed right it could be worth a good bit of money. Please let us see what you do with it.

{{!gwi}}

I also think the gold would work well.

{{!gwi}}

Rust and gold.

{{!gwi}}