Art is not only an expression of creativity but an extension of the self. Getting the most out of the art you have hung in your living space or office cubicle is an artful endeavor that requires precision, skill, and, above all, the conviction that displaying art is a science and an art form in itself. In this guide, we will unravel the carefully woven process of framing and hanging your original art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to build your own gallery, these are the steps to ensure that your art makes the statement it deserves.
The Perfect Frame: A Foundation for Expression
The frame is more than a peripheral vision of the art—it can enhance the work or sap it of its vitality if not chosen with care. Here, we elaborate on the intricacies of frame selection, discussing materials, styles, and the often-ignored aspect of frame size.
Materials Matter
The first choice is the material of the frame. Wood, metal, and a wide range of composites can add a distinct flavor to your art. Natural wood offers warmth, richness, and a classical touch, while metals provide modernity and a sleek look. A shadow box frame might be ideal for sculptures or mixed media with depth, and a floater frame can accentuate the sense of space in abstract or minimalist pieces.
Style with Substance
Each art style complements certain frame designs. Antique gold leaf might suit a baroque painting, while a simple black frame could make a bold statement around a vibrant contemporary piece. The style of the frame should echo the spirit of the art, and not overpower it.
The Measure of Things
Frames come in standard sizes, but custom frames may be necessary to precisely fit your art. The ideal frame should be neither so large as to overwhelm the art nor so small as to feel suffocating. It should be a seamless companion to the piece, allowing the art to shine without distraction. My local framers Jarva Gallery in Whaley Bridge do a fantastic job.
Preparation for Presentation: The Artwork’s Journey to the Wall
Before your art can hang, it must be prepared. This step involves more than a quick dust-off; it’s a chance to ensure your art will stand the test of time.
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
Dirt, smoke, and even oils from handling can dim the vibrancy of your artwork. By using proper cleaning materials and techniques, you not only restore the art’s original glory but also protect it from long-term damage.
Mounting with Care
Some art requires secure mounting to preserve its condition. Be it with acid-free tapes, mounting corners, or custom matting, the aim is to support the art without causing damage. Mounting is particularly important for works on paper or other fragile media.
The Protective Edge
Glass or plexiglass provides a sheen of protection that shields your art from the elements and stray fingers. It’s a barrier that doesn’t merely keep dust out; it keeps your art in, unblemished and as intended.
On the Wall, Where It Belongs
The final step is to hang your art, a task that, when done correctly, can turn a mere painting into a feature of your room. Here, we discuss the intricacies of wall choice, positioning, and the all-important measure twice and cut once mantra.
Harmony in Placement
Art should be placed where its impact can be maximized. Consider sightlines and the natural flow of a room. Art placed too high or too low will feel disjointed, out of reach, out of sight, while art in clusters invites exploration.
The Technical Dance
Hanging art is a craft of precision. Essential tools include a tape measure, a level, and a good eye. The aim is not just to hang the art straight, but to position it in harmony with its surroundings. The Golden Ratio can be a guiding principle in finding the ideal placement for your art within a room.
Love on the Level
With the art precisely measured, hung and level, the final touch is to ensure it’s spaced properly. Art too close may feel cramped; too far apart, disconnected. Balancing the space around your art is as critical as the art itself.
Tools and Techniques of the Trade
A DIY approach to hanging art can be a fulfilling endeavor, but only if you have the right tools and know-how. Understanding which tools to use for different wall types and the science behind hanging art enhances the process.
The Right Kit
A hammer, a selection of nails, wall anchors, and picture hanging wire are basic tools every art enthusiast should have. For those working with heavier pieces, consider a stud finder, a drill, and appropriate brackets.
The Straight and Narrow
Always hang art from two points, where possible, to ensure stability. This reduces the risk of the piece shifting over time and maintains a straight alignment.
Creating Cohesion
If hanging multiple pieces, create cohesion by maintaining consistent spacing and aligning the midpoint of each piece horizontally, for a polished and professional look.
Illuminating Elegance: Shedding Light on Your Masterpieces
Lighting is the final touch that can make or break the display of your art. The right illumination can reveal new facets of your work, while the wrong lighting can cast a literal shadow over your intentions.
Natural vs. Artificial
Natural light is a delight for art, but the harshness of direct sunlight can lead to fading. Consider UV-protective glazing or curtains to regulate the light exposure. For spaces where natural light is limited, a carefully placed spotlight can highlight the art’s contours and textures beautifully.
Layering with Light
Consider layering different types of lighting to create depth and drama. Ambient lighting can set the mood, while the directed beam of a picture light can act as a spotlight, drawing focus to the art.
The Ensemble Effect: Grouping and Arranging Art
Art doesn’t exist in isolation, and often, the most intricate stories can be told through the ensemble. Learning to group and arrange art opens new possibilities for expression within your space.
Themes and Variations
Think of the walls of your home as a personal museum. Group art by theme, color, or artist. Don’t be afraid to mix styles and sizes; it’s the unexpected contrasts that often create the most compelling visual stories.
The Art of the Arrangement
Lay out your arrangement on the floor before committing to the wall. This allows you to play with spacing, orientation, and the potential for movement. Groupings should feel balanced, with a central point or theme that ties the collection together.
The Statement Wall
A single wall can become a statement piece in its own right with a thoughtfully composed gallery. Use a mix of sizes, shapes, and themes for a dynamic composition that demands attention.
Maintenance for the Long Haul
Your art is a long-term investment, and like any investment, it requires upkeep. Commit to a regular maintenance routine that includes cleaning, checking for stability, and adjusting lighting as your collection evolves.
A Dusting of Love
Regular, gentle dusting keeps your art looking fresh and ensures that no particulates degrade its quality over time. Use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
The Artwork All Around
Art should be enjoyed from all angles. Walk around your collection, sight down the wall, and approach the art from different perspectives to ensure that it maintains its integrity in the space.
A Light Touch
Your lighting should be periodically reviewed and adjusted to account for changing seasons and the introduction of new art. Consider the lighting effect on individual pieces as well as the collection as a whole.
Pioneering Disposition
Handing fine art is, in its essence, a form of self-expression. It’s an opportunity to echo the voice of the artist, the content of the piece, or to stand in stark contrast, challenging the viewer to question what they observe. This task, once a straightforward chore, elucidates a deeper understanding of how we interact with the world around us. In each carefully nurtured stroke of color, each sleek line of design, art is not just hanging on our walls or standing in the corner of our office—it’s manifesting within us a grander sense of self. When you frame and hang your original art, you are the curator of your own life, and the choices you make are a reflection of the beauty you choose to bring into it.