Framer Training
David Wilkie GCF is now passing on his knowledge and experience by offering a number of training courses for advanced skills in picture framing. Usually taking place over one or two days they are aimed at framers already familiar with the basics wishing to learn or perfect new techniques. David is currently an instructor at the Wessex School of Framing, this five day course is an excellent introduction to professional level framing.
A framer for over twenty years David is a multi award winning framer, including eight Fine Art Trade Guild(FATG) Framing Competition wins. He has trained many framers through the Wessex School of Framing and his business who have also gone on to be competition finalists and winners. In 2016 Kevin Nihill won both FATG competitions and Rachel Wilkie won the Gunnar International competition for the second time.
All framing courses are flexible and taylored to individual requirements, elements from different courses can also be included and if you are looking for something specific please ask. Elements of design and colour theory are included in all training as standard. Email or call and we can discuss a program. Contact.
Gunnar F1 Hybrid CMC
Rachel Wilkie's 2016 winning AC/DC entry on a music theme.
2015 entry by Rachel Wilkie on the childhood pass times theme.
David Wilkie's 2014 piece, where everyone framed the same Shelli Graham print The Sky Snatcher.
Designed using the GMC software and cut on a Gunnar F1 Hybrid.
All the design was done using Gunnar GMC software.
Numerous techniqes are required in framing challenges like this.
This was an exercise in encapsulation where each ticket is float mounted without any adhesive touching the tickets.
Object mounting, fabric covered padded mount and fabric covered spacer frame.
The program and tickets were encapsulated before mounting.
Close up of hand decorated mount surface paper, you can also see the custom made rainbow bevelled mount board.
A combination of modern and traditional framing techniques. The outer line with lamp detail was done using a the pen tool on a Gunnar computerised mount cutter while the inner lines and wash were done by hand using a ruling pen and watercolour.
The content for this course is geared to your requirements whether a novice new to Gunnar machines and software or an experienced user looking to get more creative.
Review of machine buttons and functions.
Machine settings and set up.
Common functions.
Creative use of layers.
Multi aperture layouts and alignment.
Drawing and designing custom shapes.
Using the Pen Tool.
3D Object Framing
This concentrates on the different methods available for attaching and stabilising objects for framing. Then once mounted accommodating them in a frame and the various methods of extending and stacking frames and spacing mounts. There will be particular emphasis on encapsulation using polyester sheet (mylar/melinex). Framing sports shirts and other sports memorabilia will also be covered.
Mount Decoration & Cutting
Here we will cover different ways to enhanse a standard mount with the use of various materials and colour.
Coloured bevels
Surface colouring
Traditional line and wash
Shadow effects
Off set and decorative mount cutting
Decorative inlays.
Business Start Up
David Wilkie GCF has been a professional framer for over twenty years, running busy High Street framing workshops and art galleries, relocating 3 times. He has considerable experience running a framing business setting up workshops and galleries. David is available to consult on location, workshop layout, equipment, suppliers, materials or any business aspects as required from one day to on going support.
Dates, Prices & Location
Dates are by agreement and can be during the week or at weekends. Training starts at £120 per session and £60 for a second person, full days are usually 9.30 till 4.30 with a light lunch included. They take place in my home workshop in the village of Silverstone, Northamptonshire. Located close to the M40 and M1 and the nearest rail stations are Milton Keynes, Banbury and Oxford. I can also attend your workshop subject to travelling and accommodation requirements.
