Fine Art Tips - handling and care

HANDLING / CARING

Use two hands when moving, lifting, or checking artwork. Using one hand can stress your painting, canvas, frame etc.

Never lean any stretched canvas against a sharp or pointed object, no matter how small. It will most likley leave a dent that could damage your art. If you need to, lean it against the wood of its stretcher bars so nothing presses against the surface or back of the canvas.

We all know prolonged exposure to ultra-violet light helps the art nothing and over time, can fade and discolor art. The advent of giclee canvas prints have prolonged canvas art dramatically if cared for properly...this includes out of direct UV light.

Avoid hanging or storing artwork in overly moist environments such as some bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.

Do not spray anything such as furniture polish or household cleaners on paintings or giclees. Dust with a soft, dry cloth gently, no water.

Giclee canvases can handle a soft damp cloth...gently.

Ensure the wire and hangers are tight enough and strong enough to hold up your art. Gently lift the art by the wire, as it would hang.

Give it a little extra pull. If you feel good...hang it.

HANGING

Hanging art properly is easier than you think. All it takes is a little creativity and planning. When art is hung incorreclty it is typically because we rush. Your home is an expression of who you are, and your walls are your own personal gallery. They can reflect your

personality, your memories and what you love.

It’s important to achieve the right balance between your wall space and the frames you want to display...If frames are required that is.

Hang art at eye level where it can be easily seen and enjoyed. That can be at standing or sitting eye level, the choice is yours. When you hold the art against the wall where it will hang. Start with its center five or six feet from the floor, then adjust it to your preference. For a reference point, make a small pencil mark on the wall at the top (or bottom ) center of the frame.

Obviously, we will not just hammer a nail into the wall...no rushing. Choose the appropriate hanging device based on the structure and materials of your walls and the weight of your art. Hang art on two hooks and two wall hangers for even and level support...and pictures that will stay straight. Heavier pieces should be hung with D-rings and achored into more than just the sheet rock, in the case of most walls.

Place the hooks, lay your frame face down and pull the hanging wire toward the top of the frame in two spots the same distance from the top. These spots are where the hangers will be. The further apart they are, the closer the art will be to the wall.

Measure the distance between these two spots, as well as the distance between one of them and the top of the frame.

Take these dimensions to the wall, starting with the center mark. Install the wall hangers at the two hanging spots.

more to come...

Art tips...