Here you will
find information about art; how to care for it, framing and matting
tips, color choices, News, and more. Input from knowledgable persons
is very welcome and can be posted here. E-mail
the studio if you wish. Thank you!
How
to Care for Your Art
Proper
Hanging and Care
Certain environmental
conditions can, over the years, cause serious damage to watercolors
or even to oil paintings which have been properly framed. They are:
Light:
Sunlight, both direct and indirect, and fluorescent lighting
are rich in ultraviolet rays and are harmful to paper as well as
to certain inks and colors. Rooms where art works are to be hung
should have weak daylight and must be illuminated with incandescent
lighting which is relatively harmless. Use of ultraviolet filtering
plexiglass with watercolors will reduce light damage, but sunlight
and fluorescent illumination must still be avoided. If your art
work is hung in strong sunlight it could fade, (most noticeably
with watercolors).
Heat:
Do not hang art work near radiators or other sources of heat, or
on walls which contain flues.
Humidity: Relative humidity above 70% encourages mildew or “foxing”
on watercolor paper. If the humidity in your area exceeds 70% for
periods of the year, dehumidify or air condition rooms where works
of art are hanging. Avoid hanging art on damp walls. Very dry conditions
below, 30% relative humidity, may encourage brittleness, and should
be avoided.
Other
Care:
It is advisable to take your artwork down off the wall about every
three years to check its condition. This gives the interior a chance
to dry out. Check behind the mats for discolorations and for light
and insect damage. If the art work has been discolored where the
mat meets the art, acid–free mats should be used to replace
old mats. Ask your framer to install acid–free backing. Your
piece of art is an investment, as well as having sentimental value.
Therefore, care for it properly.
For ideas on
where to hang and place your artworks, and various framing ideas,
see Decorating With Art>>
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