If you read into my post, I did recognize the "purist" approach or as you put if "fine art" method of matting. I know about that weight thing- about the border at the bottom and I love the link you supplied- I saved it in my computer for reference and training.

I mentioned that the matte or treatment becomes part of the composition in that if it is distracting or somehow directs the viewer's eye away from the motif of the image the treatment becomes counterproductive. I did not say that a weak image needs colorful matting to strengthen it. It is more likely that an inappropriate matte or frame tends to weaken a strong image by serving as a distraction. Not everyone is an aficionado of fine art- they might not always zero in and analyze minute details- they may never get in close enough- they see the entire piece. Hopefully, the entire piece as a unit looks coherent and harmonious and makes the right impression and sends the right message.

Meanwhile, as y'all know- I never call myself an artist- I am a COMMERCIAL photograher!

Funny thing- In my younger days, I decided to enroll in photography classes in a college that specialized in fine art and also offered programs in commercial art and photography. There was a horribly snobbish culture there whereby the FINE art faculty and students tended to look down upon the commercial department. Although I was always commercially oriented, I wanted to sit in some some of the fine art classes to learn some of the history and principles and study the work of the old master -especially the Flemish painters-in my book Vermeer ROCKS! The attitude among many of the folks there was that commercial art was a form of prostitution and that commercializing on artistic savvy for MONEY was less than ethical. Made me sick- so I quit, lost my student draft deferment, enlisted in the army and went to Viet Nam. That'll teach me to get upset!

I have seen museum exhibits of painting by Gainsborough, and many of the Dutch Masters in what I assume are in their original very ornate frames. The frames seem to meld very nicely with the themes and subject matter of the art. Are those paintings NOT FINE art?

Anyway, for the purpose of this forum and section, I would just like to see folks get off their screens, make a few fine prints and enjoy and display their photography. Everyone is glued to there monitors and keyboards, It's a wonder everyone don't have eyesight issues and carpal tunnel syndrome. Viewing nice big prints on the wall is good for the health!