Art Contest Recomnended Frame Size

[kris10]

I am going to enter a local annual art contest. Last year I entered it and framed 10x13 size pictures. I think after seeing all the larger size works, I want to go much bigger this year. Do any of you have experience in printing for gallery style contests and if so, what size framing do you recommend and what size mats do you typically use. This contest will host different mediums of art to include paintings, pottery, photography and other such arts. Thanks in advance for your help.

[CliffB]

I have, generally, entered 12x18 prints, in 18x24 frames. However, in viewing the winners, in the contests that I have entered, image size has not seemed to have been of much consequence in the results.

[BusToBedlam]

My personal favorite is also an 18x24 with a matted 12x18 print. The size of the print and frame is not really that important. It's the presentation of the art that matters most. Whatever size, the composition has to be good for the size and shape. I do not like doing framed prints larger than 18x24 but often will experiment with different smaller mat openings or weighted openings to set off a particular image.

-Ed

[w7apd]

The only competition I enter is the juried show at our state fair, where they have a maximum size limit of 16x20, including any mat. I agree with B2B, that presentation matters more in these situations. While it's indisputable that large prints can have a commanding presence, few contest judges are going to be fooled into choosing an inferior image just because it's big.