Art at Home

We hope you already have the pleasure of several beautiful artworks on your walls. We have written the below for those of you unsure about the basics of how to hang your new artwork and to make sure you know how to care for it. While we hope you, like us, are lucky enough to surround yourself with many forms of art, we will focus on paintings and drawings.

Hanging Art

Where to hang it is the major question. Some people have a spot in mind when they purchase it. Others have a bit more thinking and trying to do before they find that perfect place. Here are some points worth considering before you make your final decision.

How will it fit in with the other artworks and objects on your wall? If you don’t want to spend too much time and energy on it then what you want to go for is harmony. But, if you are willing to put in the time and making the effort to rearrange your existing work of arts you can create an interesting and compelling visual experience. Artworks “talk” to each other and if you have not already tried you will be amazed at how much they change when put in different groupings and group layouts or given the space to shine by itself.

Light. This is the big one. Invest in spotlights and you will be able to increase your enjoyment of your artworks tenfold. There is a reason all galleries have lots of them!

On the subject of light, take care with sunlight. Sunlight can delightfully play over your artwork during the course of the day creating new and interesting moments. But, sunlight will over time degrade most mediums of art. See more below for how to ensure sunlight doesn’t destroy your pieces.

Other points to consider as well are:

• Does the chosen spot allow for you to see it up close as well as far away?
• Does the chosen spot allow you to see it at eye level?
• Are you likely to accidentally brush past your artwork or otherwise damage it if you hang it in your chosen spot?
• Will the wall you intend to fix it to be able to take the weight?

When a spot is chosen you should make sure you use the appropriate fixing that fits your wall and the size and weight of your artwork. Ask your local DIY store for advice if at all in doubt.

Caring for your art

The cleaners in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo know a thing or two about the possibility of accidental damage to art. Hopefully more care is taken when your artwork is cleaned. While abrupt physical damage does happen, it is more likely the slow degradation over time that is the culprit when your artwork is ruined or loses its luster. Sunlight, moisture and rapid temperature swings are the main environmental factors causing this degradation.  

All of the artwork here at Ignart are treated appropriately after the paint has dried. Make sure any piece bought elsewhere is likewise treated to ensure you can enjoy its beauty for many years to come. This usually involves spraying the artwork with a special varnish.

If your artwork will hang in direct sunlight then we recommend that you have a frame and glass protecting it. If it will be in constant sunlight then go to your local framer and get the special glass blocking ultraviolet light (UV). 

To frame or not to frame is otherwise a very personal questions. Some artworks are enhanced by frames other are not. Just keep in mind that a frame with glass will protect your art better from the unwanted exposure to its environment. It also makes it alot easier and safer to clean.

Don’t hang your artwork in the bathroom is obvious advice. Bathrooms, however, are not the only humid places in the home. Take care in basements, kitchens and around windows if they aren’t insulated. For those using humidifiers, locating it underneath an artwork is probably not the best place for it.

It is not just the UV light that makes sunlight damaging to artworks. Direct sunlight also heats the paint or other media used and if it hangs in an otherwise cold room (we are talking properly cold rooms here) than it may experience rapid temperature swings and this can contribute to degradation of your artwork.

Reading the above you might be thinking you should look your artwork in a dark basement that is closely environmentally controlled. While this is an option, we would not recommend it. Art is for enjoyment and pleasure! The visual experience of sunlight dancing over your painting is priceless. Just make sure you take care of your art.